The end of the novel presents Ree at a crossroads. She could leave as she has planned or stay. Does the ending contain more hope or resignation?

• What has Ree planned to do when she is old enough?
• Who asks her if she is leaving at the end? What is her response?
• How might the money affect Ree and her family? 

Teaching Suggestion: Students might journal about their definitions of hope and resignation. They might also discuss in small groups or as a whole class. If the class develops a shared definition for each topic or a list of different definitions, returning to the definitions during the discussion can encourage clarity in analysis. This discussion could connect to the themes of The Perpetuation of Needs and Escapism.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Stone Fences”

In this activity, students will create artifacts of fences using textual details and symbolism.

Reflect on the stone fences Ree ponders as she travels looking for her father. Create a fence using details from the novel and symbolism to represent large ideas in the book.

• Re-read the scenes in the novel focusing on the fences.