1.Who are the main characters? Give their ages, when possible, and their relationship.
The main characters are a man and two boys : Sheppard is having a talk with his ten-year-old son, Norton, about Rufus Johnson, 14, a boy Sheppard took some interest in at a reformatory school and whom he wants to go on helping.

2. Where does the scene take place and at what time of day ?
The scene takes place at Sheppard and Norton's suburban home, in the kitchen, at breakfast time.

3. Compare the social background and family life of the two boys. (70 words)
Norton and Rufus come from two opposite social backgrounds. The former, whose father is middle-class or upper-middle-class, lives in a large comfortable house and has plenty to eat. The latter is obviously lower-class and grew up in a slum.
As for their family lives, Norton is well looked after by his widowed father, whereas Rufus was brought up by a violent grandfather, as his mother is in jail.

4. Using four quotations, show that Rufus doesn't have enough to eat.
After he left the reformatory, Rufus was so destitute that he was seen "his hand in a garbage can (...) trying to get something to eat".
Sheppard realized that "he was hungry" and noticed that "he was skin and bones", so skinny that Norton's "shirts would fit Rufus".

5. Explain the evolution in Rufus's situation and physical condition over the past year. (30 words)
As long as he was in the reformatory, Rufus was healthy, well looked after and cared about. Now, two months after he left, he must be homeless and in dire straits. He looks rather weak.

6. How did Sheppard help the boy over this period and what does he plan to do in the near future ? (60 words)
Sheppard talked to him and showed him he trusted him by giving him his house key. He promised Rufus he could always rely on him for food and shelter. Now, that the boy is in real need, he expects him to use this key and if he doesn't dare to, he plans to bring him home to provide him with decent living conditions.

7. What do we learn about the father's personality throughout the text ? (50 words)
Sheppard is a kind, sympathetic and caring man. He volunteers in his free time to help delinquents, which he finds rewarding work. He is concerned about their well-being even after they've left the school. He knows he can help them become self-confident and responsible adults. He would like his son to share his interest and moral values.

8. What weakness (es) does Sheppard notice in his son' s character ?
In this passage, Sheppard becomes aware that his son has a major flaw : selfishness. He hadn't noticed it when his wife was still alive and this discovery is painful to him since he doubts he will ever change. Besides, he is afflicted by his lack of concern. Norton hardly pays attention to what his father is telling him. Sheppard is disgusted at his son's behaviour. He would probably rather have an intelligent son with a violent temper like Rufus than such a selfish little brat.

9. What is the point of this conversation between father and son ?
By starting this conversation, Sheppard aims at preparing his son to share both his house and father with Rufus. He would like him to realize how privileged and spoilt he is compared to some other children.

10. "Well, you might think about it sometime" (l. 47)
Rephrase the sentence and make the meaning of "might" clear.
"You should meditate upon it". Sheppard tells his son that sooner or later, he will have to face social inequalities and the necessity to share. That's why he had better start thinking it over now.

11. Explain the evolution of Norton's reactions to what his father is telling. (50 words)
At first, Norton doesn't see the point in having this conversation. He lets his father speak without even looking at him. His attention is aroused when sharing is mentioned. He realizes how serious the matter is and it frightens him. He tries to avoid being involved. He eventually brightens up at the thought that Rufus might not show up.

12. Choose one of the following essays. (200 words)
a) The following day Rufus comes to Sheppard's house.
Imagine what happens.
b) Confidence between adults and teenagers is a key to growing up. Discuss.
A l'appréciation du jury.