Goodness, Coming of Age Flashcards
What is the name of the protagonist in Boy Swallows Universe?
Eli Bell
In which city does Boy Swallows Universe take place?
Brisbane, Australia
During what time period is Boy Swallows Universe set?
Mid- to late 1980s
What is Eli’s relationship with his mum’s boyfriend Lyle?
Eli adores Lyle
What illegal activity is Lyle involved in?
Selling heroin
Who is Eli’s regular babysitter?
Slim Halliday
What is Slim Halliday known for?
Being a convicted killer and prison escape artist
What major theme does Eli explore regarding the men in his life?
The nature of good and evil
What moral dilemma does Eli face regarding Lyle’s character?
Is Lyle good despite selling heroin?
How does Eli view women in contrast to men?
As wholly good or as victims of terrible men
Who is Tytus Broz and what is his dual nature?
An upstanding member of society who runs the drug trade
What happens to Lyle when Tytus Broz discovers his drug business?
Lyle is taken away to be murdered
What does Iwan Krol do to Eli?
Cuts off Eli’s finger
How does Eli’s perception of Lyle change after Lyle’s fate?
Lyle begins to look saintlier
What realization does Eli come to about good and evil?
There are few clear distinctions between good and evil
What does Eli initially believe about his father?
That he is evil
What causes Eli’s father to behave frighteningly?
Clinical anxiety and alcoholism
How does Eli’s view of his father change over time?
He comes to adore him when not anxious or drunk
What does Slim tell Eli about the nature of men?
There are not good or bad men, only choices
According to Slim, what defines a good man?
Making good choices and helping others
Fill in the blank: Eli’s coming-of-age process involves questioning what it means for a man to be ______.
good
