Discussion Circles

Writers explore themes. These are the big ideas about our human experience. Here are some themes, ideas and values raised in the YA novel In Lonnie’s Shadow for you to explore in your discussion circles. Remember, more than one interpretation is possible. Use evidence and examples from the text to support your viewpoint.

Identity and Belonging

How would you deal with the problems Lonnie and his friends have to self manage?
‘That scum as you call them,’ he [Lonnie] found himself saying without apology, ‘are the people I have to live with everyday.’ Does Lonnie have anything in his life to apologise about?
There are many people who make a claim on Pearl. Despite this she remains true to her own sense of self. Who are they and how does she react?
‘Don’t go worrying about me. I can take good care of myself.’ Do the characters ever rely solely upon themselves to get by in life?
It is not what you say but what you do that is important in life. Consider the characters in the novel as you reflect if a person’s worth is determined by his or her actions alone.
There’s nothing vulnerable about any of the characters in the novel. They all know how to take care of themselves, even if it means deceiving others. To what extent do you agree?
While many of the characters act as positive influences on each other, there are some characters who have nothing good at all to offer anyone. Discuss.
In Lonnie’s Shadow shows that goals and ambitions are always achievable, in spite of the obstacles life puts in the way. How?
In Lonnie’s Shadow is more about belonging than isolation. To what extent do you agree?

Friendship

‘Friendship often ends in love, while love in friendship never happens.’ How do the characters in the novel put these romantic notions to the test?
When friendship is put to the test it often fails. Do you agree? Does the novel portray a negative or positive image about friendship?
‘Believe it or not we mugs from Little Lon do try and help each other.’ Is this sentiment shared by anyone in the novel other than Lonnie?
In Lonnie’s Shadow may be ‘brutal, a story of survival at the grassroots level’ as one reviewer states, but above all else it shows the value of mateship. Do you agree?
There is nothing more precious than a faithful friend. How is this shown in the novel?

The Imaginative Landscape

In 1891 Melbourne had flourishing businesses, beautiful architecture, technological advances, art and culture. What examples of these does In Lonnie’s Shadow present?
What does the novel say are the main issues we should consider when defining 19th century Melbourne as a modern town?
Marvellous Melbourne! Is the novel sympathetic or unsympathetic to this 19th century label of Melbourne as a marvellous town?
There are few redeeming qualities in the people of Little Lon or in their way of life. With reference to the characters who live and work in Little Lon, show whether you agree or disagree.
Lonsdale Street and its inner Melbourne surrounds may have been considered the underbelly of the town but the true heart of the area was its people. How does In Lonnie’s Shadow portray a compassionate side to life?
‘In Lonnie’s Shadow gives a beating pulsing heart to a vanished community.’ What does this mean to you in the context of the novel?

Justice and Survival

Lonnie is deluding himself if he thinks his actions are always honourable. He is driven more by a desire to get his own way than he is by any sense of fairness. To what extent do you agree?
Can the end ever justify the means? Discuss this question in reference to the characters’ actions in In Lonnie’s Shadow.
Decent people don’t behave the way the characters do in Little Lon. What arguments can you put forward in their defence or prosecution?
‘What goes around, comes around.’ Do all the characters in the novel get what they deserve?
Lonnie is driven more by revenge than by a sense of justice. Do you agree?
‘Fairness has nothing to do with the law.’ How is the theme of justice portrayed in the novel?
Were Lonnie’s actions ethical? Discuss.
Daisy is the only moral conscience in the novel. Do you agree?