| Nine Days | Chapter 7: Jean

How many children does Jean have?

• Two

• Three

• Four

• Five

What is Jean's occupation?

• Dressmaker

• Housemaid

• Teacher

• Factory worker

What is Jean's husband's fate?

• He died in the war

• He left the family

• He works in another city

• He died in the street after drunkenly falling from a tram.

In what ways does Jean’s own past influence her decisions for her children's future?

• She wants them to experience the same life she had.

• She tries to give them the opportunities she never had.

• She ignores her past and focuses only on the present.

• She discourages them from taking risks.

How does Jean's concern for the fate of her children influence her actions and decisions?

• She becomes overly protective and controlling.

• She encourages them to make their own choices.

• She is indifferent to their future.

• She prioritises their education and opportunities.

What does Jean hope to achieve by pushing Connie to adhere to societal norms and expectations?

• She wants Connie to be popular.

• She hopes to ensure Connie's stability and security.

• She wants Connie to rebel against societal norms.

• She is indifferent to Connie’s choices.

How do the similarities between Jean’s and Connie’s circumstances help us understand Jean’s decisions for Connie and her grief following Connie’s death?

Answer explanation

The similarities between Jean’s and Connie’s circumstances help us understand. Jean’s decisions for Connie and her profound grief following Connie’s death. Jean’s strictness and high expectations for Connie stem from her desire for Connie to avoid the hardships and mistakes she herself faced. By pushing Connie to adhere to societal norms and strive for a better future, Jean hopes to provide her daughter with opportunities and stability she never had. This context illuminates Jean's motivations and the deep connection she feels with Connie’s struggles. Consequently, Connie’s death is not just a personal loss for Jean but also a tragic reminder of unfulfilled potential and the repetition of her own past struggles, intensifying her grief.

Evaluate the impact of Jean's sacrifices on her children's perception of their future.

Answer explanation

Jean's sacrifices create a complex impact on her children's perception of their future. They likely feel pressured to succeed and meet her high expectations, understanding the extent of her sacrifices. This pressure can be both motivating and overwhelming, leading to a mix of appreciation and potential resentment. While some children may strive to honour her sacrifices by working hard, others may feel burdened by the weight of her expectations and desire more personal freedom.

How does Jean’s approach to parenting reflect her concerns about the fate of her children?

Answer explanation

Jean's concern for the fate of her children heavily influences her actions and decisions. She becomes overly protective and controlling, aiming to shield them from the mistakes she made and the hardships she faced. This often leads her to impose strict rules and high expectations, hoping to ensure a stable and successful future for her children. Her actions are driven by a deep fear of their potential suffering and a desire to provide them with better opportunities.