Exploring the Power of Literature in 'The Verb to be'

Only Ten
How does Baillie encourage the reader to inference about what has happened to Hussein?
Is this effective? Why/why not?
Baillie succeeds in encouraging the readers to inference what had happed to Hussein by
show casing his Hussein moods throughout the reading. The author paints the picture of what
Hussein was going through as a sad experience something that was kept in secret.
Through other characters such as the Pearl, the readers are able to understand that
Hussein had initially undergone through frightening experience as they got to understand each
other after Suzy’s death. This is because after Suzy’s death, Hussein and Pearl becomes friends
and share their experience. Because Pearl had tough experience from losing Suzy, Hussein
believed that Pearl was the only one who could understand what he was going through.
What tone can be applied to Baillie’s story? Explain how this is done with reference to
narrative perspective
Depressing- the tone applied in the story is depressing as highlighted through Hussein’s
experience. The story showcases how Hussein was sad throughout the story thus showcasing a
sadistic mood and tone in his life. It is a clear indication that he had gone through some
difficulties.
How would you ‘diagnose’ Hussein? What evidence is there to support your theory?
I would diagnose Hussein as being full of depression. Although it is not clear what
caused his depression, the author brings another incident where Suzy dies which made Pearl to
be depressed. This made Hussein and Pearl to be friends shading the light of Hussein’s situation.