Throughout the novel, Peter and Pax experience many conflicts while attempting to reunite after their forced separation. What is the overall role of abandonment in Pax? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the questions.

• What occurred in Peter's life to cause him to feel abandonment?
• What is the emotional impact of the experience of abandonment for each character?
• How does the experience of abandonment affect each character’s motivation to reconnect?

Teaching Suggestion:  This discussion will encourage students to focus on character analysis through a close examination of textual details and plot development. The close analysis of the role of abandonment for both characters will allow students to explore where these two experiences connect, as well as where they diverge. Students might work in partnerships to pinpoint and review the moments in the novel in which the motif of abandonment is evident before addressing the prompt.