George Washington's Socks

How is the relationship between Matt and Katie characterized throughout the book? How does it show change? Discuss the way Matt feels about Katie in the opening chapter compared to his actions toward her at the end of the story.

There is no single character who is the “villain,” but readers can find antagonistic forces throughout the book. List five characters, situations, or obstacles that serve as antagonistic forces working against Matt and the ways in which he struggles to overcome them.

Discuss the use of dramatic irony in three situations. How does dramatic irony increase the suspense in this story? Especially consider when the Matt’s limited viewpoint switches briefly to omniscient, allowing readers to learn information he does not know.

Imagery is the use of language that appeals to our five senses. Find passages that describe the night hike through the woods and the lake setting in Chapters Four and Five and discuss the descriptions in terms of sensory imagery. In what ways do these descriptions foreshadow events in the novel?

Choose a character who is present in the story for fewer than four chapters, such as Mr. Hornbee or Captain McCowly, but makes a significant impact. Analyze the ways in which the character leaves his or her mark in 3-5 examples. How might the story have changed without that character in it?

One way an author accomplishes indirect characterization is through other characters’ dialogue about a character. Find and cite 3-5 examples of indirect characterization of the Hessians. Why might the author have chosen to characterize this way?

Discuss two scenes in the book in which the mood evoked by the events and imagery contrasts. One scene must be in the present of the story; the other in the past.

Genre is a type or category of storytelling. How does George Washington’s Socks show elements of both the historical fiction genre and the fantasy/speculative genre?