2. Chapter Seven
The Soup Kitchen
Before we begin, this chapter is called The Soup Kitchen.
What do you predict this chapter will be about?
What do you know about soup kitchens during the famine?
In your table groups, fill out a KWL chart with what you know and what you would like to know.

3. Chapter Seven
The Weather
What impact do you think the weather has on the mood of the chapter?
What is the contrast between it and the last chapter?
How does weather impact on atmosphere?
Can you make a connection between any other stories that the weather plays a role in creating a mood or tone?

4. Victims of Famine How does the author depict famine victims?
Chapter Seven
Victims of Famine
How does the author depict famine victims?
What use of language did you find particularly striking?

5. Chapter Seven
‘During the night an old man shook them and told them to be on their way, as the heathens would try to convert them in the morning and if they took another mug of soup they may as well take the Queen’s shilling. The children were puzzled, but simply ignored him.’
What do you think the man meant by this comment?

6. The Large House with the Green Door
Chapter Seven
The Large House with the Green Door
What do you think the author infers in mentioning the large house with the green door?
What do you imagine was happening to the children?
Where do you think their parents were?
How would you describe Eily’s reaction to the woman asking about her parents’ whereabouts?

7. Time to Write
The soup kitchen is very much in demand, feeding many people. The children see a woman being refused extra but getting her cup topped up, while their own cups are not refilled.
In your groups, write a list of rules and guidelines that you imagine the Quakers would have followed while running the soup kitchen.
You might include guidelines for measurements, hygiene, dealing with lone children, portion sizes, extra portions and religious beliefs.

8. Time to Write
Write a newspaper report as a reporter observing the popularity of the soup kitchen.
You may chose to interview the Quaker men and women working in the kitchens and the people using the soup kitchen.