Deathwatch Questions
Chapter 1 Compare Ben and Madec. What sort of character traits to they possess? What is the setting of the story? What do we know about the plot so far? Imagine you found the old man lying dead on the rock face. What would YOU do? Would you have accepted Madec’s deal at the beginning of chapter 1? Why or why not?
Chapters 2/3 What is your opinion of our characters so far? Why? Would you take Madec up on his newest offer? Why? Was Madec’s argument as to why they should just leave the old prospector valid? Why or why not? Do you believe the killing of the old man was an accident or murder? Why?
Chapters 4/5 What do you think the likelihood of Ben’s survival is? Ben describes Madec and illustrates him as being this smart, resourceful man… Do you think you could outsmart Madec and survive this ordeal? Why or why not? How would you ensure your own survival?
Chapter 6: Answer the following questions on a piece of paper. Write in complete sentences. You need to write at least 3 sentences per question. What injuries has Ben sustained at this point in the book? What makes these injuries so dangerous? What actions has Madec taken to ensure that Ben will not survive? What does Ben mean when he says that “He and Madec were locked together, chained together in a struggle for life itself…” How are the conflicts Ben is facing influencing his attitude and outlook on life? Why does Ben talk about the Gila Woodpecker in this chapter? What does he compare it to? Why do you think he makes this comparison?
Chapter 7 Describe where Ben is at. How would this story differ if it had a different setting? Describe Ben. What do you think of Ben at this point in the story? What conflict(s) is Ben facing? Think of a time when you have overcome something difficult. Describe the circumstances to a partner. How did you overcome this particular trial?
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Chapter 8: Answer the following questions on a piece of paper. Write in complete sentences. You need to write at least 3 sentences per question. What injuries has Ben sustained at this point in the book? What makes these injuries so dangerous? Ben accomplishes something impossible. Why do Ben’s accomplishments in Chapter 8 seem impossible? Why would Ben do something so dangerous? Have you ever done something that seemed absolutely impossible? If you have, explain the event and how you accomplished it. If you have not, explain how you would overcome something that seemed impossible. Do you think Ben really found water? Why or why not?
Chapters 9-10 Do you think you have the stomach to do what Ben did in the cave? Why or why not? If you were to create a movie version of Deathwatch who would you cast as Ben and Madec? Why? What do you think is going to happen in Chapter 11?
Chapters 11-12 Ben buries himself alive. Why does he do this? Do you think you could/would do this if you were in his shoes? Why is this a good plan? What are the flaws in this plan?
Chapter 15 Finish the dialogue. If you were Ben, how would you respond to Strick when he says the following: “It means you’re not going home,” Strick said, his voice different now; tough. “It means you’re going to jail.” * Your conversation between Ben and Strick must fill up at least a half a page.
Chapter 16 Write down 1 thing you would like to discuss from this chapter. Bring me your paper as soon as you finish writing.
Chapter 17 Review the book as though you were a critic. Give Deathwatch between one and five stars. Explain why you gave it that many stars. Is Madec innocent (shooting the old man was an accident) or is Madec guilty (he shot the old man on purpose). Explain your answer.