Themes

Question 1

Rascism

Answer 1

Racism- hatred between Noughts (“blankers”) and Crosses (“daggers”) runs deep. Exemplified by the riot outside Heathcroft. Racism is the cause of a lot of social and political conflict.

Question 2

Violence

Answer 2

Violence-this can be seen in both the Hadley and McGregor households but most significantly in the wider community. Sephy is beaten up by three girls for sitting at the Nought table.

Question 3

Discrimination/Prejudice

Answer 3

Discrimination/Prejudice -Noughts are denied the same standard of education simply because of their skin colour. This keeps them on the poverty line and allows the Crosses to maintain control of society. Also, Callum is interrogated for being on the train with
Sephy.

Question 4

Friendship

Answer 4

Friendship- the strong bond of friendship between Callum and Sephy is shown throughout the novel. It remains unbroken despite familial and societal pressure. It develops into an intimate and passionate relationship towards the end of the novel.

Question 5

Courage

Answer 5

Courage-both Callum and Sephy show incredible courage in maintaining their relationship. Both are judged by their own class for associating with the enemy. Sephy is determined to prove her loyalty to Callum even though she is being ridiculed by her peers

Question 6

Identity

Answer 6

Callum and Sephy are able to be friends because they see each other as individuals, not just as ‘a nought’ and ‘a cross.’ In their friendship with each other, they are able to set aside the prejudice most people in their world feel. Both characters become more mature as the book progresses and in part this is thanks to giving up the labels that they grew up with - nought or Cross, McGregor or Hadley, rich girl of Meadowview boy - and making their own
choices.