The story begins with a conversation between two teenage girls Sophie and

Jansie. Sophie lives in a world of imagination whereas Jansie is totally opposite to

her. Sophie imagines of owning a boutique one day, a place where she can sell
fashionable clothes. Jansie feels that it requires a lot of money to open up a
boutique. She also tells her that it will take her a long time to save that much
amount. To this Sophie replies that she will work as a Manager and when she will
save enough money then will work on opening up a boutique. She is interrupted
by Jansie as she tells her that nobody will hire her straight up to the managerial
post. Sophie changes her plan and decides to be a fashion icon like Mary Quant.
She also adds that she will have the best boutique shop that no one has ever
seen in the city.
Jansie is a realistic person. She knows that in reality they are just workers at a
Biscuit factory. On hearing Sophie’s thoughts, she becomes sad. When they
reach Sophie’s street, Jansie tries to explain the reality of their life. She tells her
that they don’t receive much at the factory where they work. She also tells her
that her dad would not allow her to leave the job. Sophie, on the other hand, is
still lost in her dreams. She says that she can also be an actress as it would earn
her a lot of money. She also wants to run a side business of boutique as she
thinks that actresses don’t work full time. When they reach home, Sophie enters
into her house and turns the door. Jansie is left alone in the rain. Sophie is still
murmuring the same sentence that if she gets money, she will buy a boutique.
Someone in the house teases her that if she ever has money, she should buy a
good house for her family.
Sophie’s father was eating a shepherd’s pie. His face was unclean with dirt and
sweat. Her younger brother Derek, said to his father that Sophie thought that
money grew on trees. He also felt that she was not realistic. Her mother who was
busy with her work took a deep breath. Sophie noticed her working in the
kitchen. Her mother had stooping shoulders that were bent forward. She had tied
an apron on her back which was bent and not in the right shape. Maybe she
looked so because of the heavy burden of work on her. It was turning dark and
the house was full of steam and the kitchen was messed up with litter. Sophie
felt uncomfortable so she went up to her brother Geoff.
Geoff was in the next room, sitting with bent knees, on the carpet. He was
repairing some part of his motorcycle. He was a trainee mechanic who had left
his school three years ago. He had to travel long distances in search of work.
Sophie was sometimes doubtful about his brother as he didn’t speak much about
his life. Therefore, she always imagined about the way of life her brother led. She
was so jealous of his silence because she wanted to know about the places that
he used to visit. She thought that they could be some distant places of the city or
maybe some countryside. All these thoughts were so captivating because they
were far away from her reach.
Sophie imagined her brother’s personal life. She thought that her brother never
spoke about his life but maybe he knew some non-native people who were very
interesting. Though she knew that her brother didn’t have many friends, still she
felt that it was possible that he might have some special friends. So, sometimes
she wished she could become close to her brother so that he would take her out
with him. She knew that her father would never allow her to do so. Even her
brother considered her not big enough to go outside. But she was growing
impatient and wanted to go outside as she believed that she would be
comfortable there just like in her own city. So, she imagined herself riding with
Geoff, he wearing a shiny black jacket and she wearing a beautiful yellow dress
with a stole flying behind her as they would ride his motorcycle. She dreamt that
people stood up to welcome her by clapping when she rode with her brother.
Her brother looked annoyed at the oily part of the motorcycle that he was
handling. He was trying to make it work but all his attempts were wasted. Sophie
said that she met Danny Casey, a famous football player. Her brother suddenly
looked at her and asked her where she met him. She said that she was in a
gallery when she saw him. He didn’t believe her and asked if she told this to their
father. She did not approve of her brother’s question as she wanted to say that
he must know that he is the one with whom she shared her secrets. So, she
began her story that she was at Royce’s boutique and was looking for some
dresses when somebody came and stood behind her. She turned and found him
to be Danny Casey. Her brother asked her about his appearance. She told him
that he had green coloured gentle eyes and was not as tall as she thought him to
be.
While both brother and sister were in their conversation, their father entered the
room. He looked clean and shiny as he had taken a bath. He switched on his
television and sat on his chair after shifting Derek’s shoe from his chair to the
sofa. As he sat in his chair, Geoff told him that Sophie had met Danny Casey. On
hearing this he turned towards Sophie. He looked at her scornfully because he
couldn’t believe her. Geoff clarified it to be true. The father then told them that
he once knew a man who had known Tom Finney a long time ago. Tom Finney
was a legendary footballer. He took his name with great respect. Geoff agreed
their father had told him this earlier.
They were discussing football players. Father said that he thought that one day
Casey might become as good as Finney. Someone among Geoff and Sophie
replied that Casey was better as he was very talented, but their father did not
agree. He said that he was very young and as there were so many diversions for
a young footballer, he might work hard. Geoff did not agree and said that he was
with the best team and the best player too. Meanwhile, Sophie told them that
Casey was going to buy a new shop. Her father looked at her angrily and asked
her where she got to know this. He doubted it to be one of her imaginations. Her
brother interrupted and said that she met him. Her father warned her that such
things could lead her to trouble. She then tried to justify herself by saying that
Geoff knew this and trusted her. Her father replied that he did not believe her
although he wanted to.
Geoff’s room was full of pictures of footballers. There was a picture of Casey also
who has been described as a young Irish man with exceptional qualities. Sophie
told her brother another secret of her but on a condition that he would not tell
this to their dad. His brother did not want to believe her but listened to her
because of her undue stress. She then told him that when she met him, it was
she who started the conversation by asking him whether he was Danny Casey.
She also asked for an autograph for little Derek but as both of them didn’t have
any pen or paper, he promised to give it in their next meeting. Her brother did
not believe this as he was doubtful of what she was saying. So, he picked up his
jacket and left. Sophie wondered if her brother did not care about his looks much
though he should be doing so because he was tall and handsome.
On Saturday Sophie, her father and two brothers went to see the football match
of their favourite team- United. It was a regular thing for them because they
were all huge fans of football. Sophie, Derek and her father stayed near the goal
and Geoff went up higher with his friends to see the match. Team United won the
match with a score of 2 and nil. The second goal was made by Casey, and he did
it with such perfection. Everyone was happy, Sophie was so happy that she
glowed, and Geoff was so excited.
Sophie’s father went to the pub after the match and so she brought her brother
Derek back home. Derek told his mother that this time Ireland would win the
world cup.
Sophie was inquired by Jansie as to what was she telling everywhere. Sophie
surprisingly asked her the reason for asking her this question. She then told her
that her brother Geoff told Jansie’s Brother, Frank that Sophie had met Danny
Casey. Sophie got angry because she had never thought that her brother would
disclose her secret. She was worried because Jansie had the habit of sharing
secrets with the whole neighbourhood which she didn’t want to happen. Sophie
got angry with Geoff’s behaviour.
She explained to Jansie that this was her secret and she didn’t want to share it
because then people would line up outside their house and ask about this. Her
dad would kill her on this. Jansie got surprised to hear this, she said that she
thought that her father would be happy to hear this. But Sophie told her that it
was not so and the continuous noise of the neighbours could disturb her mother
too. She realized that Jansie was not aware of each and everything, so she felt
happy that her brother did keep some part as a secret. She then told her that she
had met him and asked for an autograph but couldn’t get it because of lack of
pen and paper. She even tells Jansie that her dad did not believe her. Jansie
promised her to keep her secret.
After it was dark, Sophie went through a sheltered path along a waterway. It was
far away from the noisy city. She used to play there as a child. She sat on a
wooden bench which was under a long elm tree. According to her it was the
perfect place for lovers to meet. She sat there and started waiting for Casey. She
got lost in her imagination of Casey coming to meet her. After a while she
realized that he was not coming, and it was just her imagination.
Many thoughts came to Sophie’s mind. She waited for Danny to come but he
didn’t come to meet her. She felt a deep pain inside her. She thought that people
didn’t believe her story. If Danny came, she could tell them that she was not
lying. Again, she thought that it is not an easy thing to make everyone believe
oneself. As so many thoughts were coming to her mind, she felt like many
changes were taking place inside her. All this was very painful, and she wanted
to leave now.
Sophie became sad. She felt it to be very tough to bear the burden that Danny
didn’t come to meet her. She had been waiting for him, though she knew that he
would never come. She was also worried about how people would doubt her and
disbelieve on what she said. She also thought that Geoff would beat hard against
the door on knowing that Danny didn’t come to meet her. So she’s quite sad now.
As she was walking back to her home, she saw her father’s bicycle in front of the
pub. She felt happy that she would not have to face her father on reaching
home.
While Sophie was returning to her home, she passed through the Royce’s
boutique. She again imagined meeting Danny Casey. She again tried to initiate a
talk with him by asking him if he was Danny Casey and also asked for an
autograph. When she asked for an autograph, they both realized that none of
them had a pen or paper. She felt sad for her brothers. When Casey left, she kept
standing there thinking of his sweet voice, green eyes, innocence and his
geniuses. Then her imagination took her to the football match she had watched
with her family last Saturday. She imagined of Danny Casey striking the goal in
such a heroic way that she felt an explosion on the football ground. She felt so
overjoyed with the winning of the united team and with the heroic performance
of Danny Casey, her hero.
Themes:
1. Adolescent Hero-Worship: The story ‘Going Places’ portrays adolescent
hero-worship through protagonist Sophie’s admiration for a young football
prodigy named Danny Casey. Her fascination with Casey borders on
obsession, blinding her to the reality of his fame and the unlikelihood of
their developing a significant relationship beyond a fleeting encounter.
Sophie’s character illustrates how adolescents idealise their idols, projecting
their fantasies and desires onto them.
2. Fantasising: Sophie’s vivid imagination and tendency to construct
elaborate fantasies define her character, particularly regarding her
encounter with Danny Casey. Her dreams reflect her desire to escape the
confines of her working-class life and aspire to something greater. Sophie’s
encounter with Danny Casey becomes a focal point of her fantasies,
highlighting the power of imagination to provide solace and inspiration in
the face of adversity.
The theme of fantasising in ‘Going Places’ highlights the importance of dreams
and aspirations in the lives of adolescents, serving as a means of coping with the
challenges of adolescence and envisioning a brighter future.
Sub-Theme:
1. Relationships:
 The story ‘Going Places’ focuses on relationships among family members,
particularly Sophie’s strained relationship with her father regarding her
aspirations to own a boutique. The story also explores Sophie’s
complicated bond with her brother Geoff and her friendship with Janie.
These relationships shape the characters’ aspirations, perceptions, and
interactions with each other and the world around them.
2. Family-Friends Dynamics:
 Sophie’s family’s socioeconomic status shapes their outlook on life and
reactions to her aspirations. Her desire for support and validation is met
 with scepticism. Trust and confidentiality are essential to her, revealing her
need for autonomy.
 The story explores relationships within economic struggles and individual
aspirations, highlighting family bonds, friendships, and the quest for
understanding amidst adversity.

Character Sketches
1. Character Sketch of Sophie:
 Sophie is a delusional dreamer caught in the harsh reality of her
working-class life. Despite her humble surroundings, she possesses a
vibrant imagination and an unwavering determination to break free from
the confines of her social status. From her aspirations of owning a
boutique to her chance encounter with Danny Casey, Sophie yearns for a
life beyond the ordinary., but her imagination does not seem to palpably
correlate with her reality.
 She is portrayed as a young woman with a rebellious spirit, willing
to defy societal expectations and her family’s limitations. Sophie’s
conversations with her friend Jansie and brother Geoff highlight her
resilience and desire for something more. Her interactions with Danny
Casey reflect her innocence, naivety, and longing for connection and
recognition.
 Sophie’s introspective nature characterises her as she contemplates
her future and grapples with the scepticism of those around her. Despite
facing doubts and setbacks, she maintains a sense of hope and optimism,
clinging to her dreams as a source of solace and inspiration.
Sophie is a complex character driven by ambition and curiosity. Her journey is
marked by delusions, longing, disappointment, and fleeting glimpses of fulfilment
as she pursues her aspirations.
2. Character Sketch of Jansie:
 Jansie is pragmatic and grounded, starkly different from her dreamy
and ambitious friend Sophie. She exhibits a sense of practicality and
realism in contrast to Sophie’s lofty aspirations. Jansie’s doubts about
Sophie’s plans reflect her understanding of their socioeconomic reality,
where dreams often collide with the harshness of everyday life.
 She is depicted as a loyal friend, often trying to bring Sophie back to
earth when her dreams seem too far-fetched. Despite her doubts, Jansie
genuinely cares for Sophie’s future, advising her to consider more realistic
options given their circumstances.
 Jansie’s demeanour suggests a level-headedness and maturity
beyond her years. She is observant, noting the challenges Sophie might
face in achieving her ambitions and offering sensible advice. While she
may not share Sophie’s grandiose dreams, Jansie’s steadfastness and
 practical outlook serve as a grounding force amidst Sophie’s flights of
fancy.
3. Character Sketch of Geoff:
 Geoff, a stoic and enigmatic figure, possesses a silent strength from his
demeanour. He is a young man of few words, his silence speaking volumes
about the depth of his character. With a strong, dark face and a tall
stature, he carries himself with a quiet confidence that commands respect.
 As an apprentice mechanic, Geoff navigates the world with a practical
mindset, focused on the tangible and the mechanical. His interactions are
measured, his words sparse but meaningful. He is introspective, often lost
in the world of his thoughts, which remain elusive to others.
 Despite his reserved nature, Geoff harbours a protective instinct towards
his family, especially towards his younger sister, Sophie. He is sceptical
yet supportive, grounding Sophie’s dreams with a dose of reality while
silently encouraging her aspirations.
 Geoff’s attachment to his sister is evident in his guarded concern for her
well-being, demonstrated through subtle gestures rather than overt
displays of affection. He remains a steadfast presence in Sophie’s life, a
silent guardian who navigates the complexities of adulthood with a quiet
resolve.
4. Character Sketch of Sophie’s father:
 Sophie’s father is depicted as a working-class man burdened by the
realities of life. Physically, he’s described as plump, with a grimy and
sweaty face from a day’s labour. His demeanour reflects exhaustion and
resignation, evident in his swift actions like scooping shepherd’s pie into
his mouth and switching on the television after returning home.
 He embodies a practical, down-to-earth attitude, sceptical of Sophie’s
dreams and cautious about believing in extraordinary stories. Despite his
gruff exterior, there’s a sense of familial responsibility in his actions, such
as washing up upon returning home and caring for his family.
 His interactions with Sophie and Geoff reveal his protective nature, albeit
with a hint of scepticism and disapproval towards their aspirations and
encounters.
 Ultimately, he represents the struggles and limitations of working-class
life, emphasising pragmatism over dreams and the harshness of reality
over fanciful aspirations.
5. Sophie’s Mother:
 The mother in the excerpt appears as a worn figure, burdened by the toils
of everyday life. She embodies the quiet strength and resilience typical of
many mothers in working-class settings. Despite her weariness, she
maintains a sense of duty to her family, evident in her apron-clad form
bent over the sink amidst the steam and clutter of their humble home.
  Her delicate bow contrasts sharply with her stooped posture, symbolising
the grace and femininity overshadowed by the weight of domestic
responsibilities. Through her actions, she personifies the sacrifices made
for her family’s well-being, even as her husband indulges in shepherd’s pie
after a long day’s work.
 Her sighs and silent endurance reflect a resigned acceptance of their
circumstances, while her concern for Sophie’s aspirations highlights her
pragmatic outlook on life. Despite her limited dialogue, her presence
speaks volumes about the unspoken sacrifices and unwavering love that
anchor the family amidst their modest existence.
6. Danny Casey:
 Danny Casey is portrayed as a figure of quiet charisma and innate talent
in the chapter “Going Places.” Despite his youth and humble origins,
Danny exudes a gentle confidence that sets him apart. His physical
appearance is unassuming yet compelling, with green eyes that shimmer
and a smile that hints at shyness.
 Danny’s demeanour suggests a level-headedness and humility uncommon
in someone of his burgeoning talent. He interacts with Sophie, the
protagonist, in a genuine and considerate manner, displaying kindness
and a willingness to engage despite his celebrity status as a football
prodigy.
 Despite his fame and potential, Danny remains grounded, expressing a
sense of loneliness and displacement in his new surroundings. His
encounter with Sophie hints at a desire for connection beyond the confines
of his sporting prowess, adding depth to his character beyond mere
athletic ability.
 Danny Casey emerges as a multifaceted character, embodying both the
allure of talent and the vulnerability of youth, making him a compelling
figure in the narrative.
Some Xtra kushchins-
Q1: What is the story’s central theme ‘Going Places’?
A1: The central theme of ‘Going Places’ revolves around aspirations,
dreams, and the harsh reality of socioeconomic limitations. It portrays the
desires and ambitions of Sophie, a young girl with dreams of owning a
boutique, juxtaposed against her family’s financial struggles and societal
expectations.
Sophie’s yearning for something beyond her current circumstances
reflects the universal human desire for self-improvement and fulfilment. At
the same time, the constraints imposed by her social and economic status
highlight the challenges inherent in pursuing one’s dreams.
Q2: How does Sophie’s character embody the theme of ambition?
A2: Sophie’s character displays ambition through her unwavering
determination to pursue her dreams despite the financial constraints and
societal norms surrounding her. Born into a working-class family with
limited opportunities, Sophie refuses to resign herself to a life of
mediocrity.
Instead, she boldly declares her intention to own a boutique, become an
actress, or venture into fashion design, envisioning a future of glamour
and success. Sophie’s resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity
exemplify the transformative power of ambition and the human capacity
to defy expectations and strive for greatness.
Q3: What are Sophie’s aspirations, and how does she plan to
achieve them?
A3: Sophie aspires to own a boutique or pursue a career as an actress or
fashion designer. She envisions herself as a successful entrepreneur or
artist, creating a life of sophistication and glamour. Initially, Sophie plans
to work as a manager in a shop to save money, gradually building towards
her dream of owning a boutique.
She also entertains the idea of becoming an actress, believing it offers
better financial prospects than shop work. Despite her challenges and
uncertainties, Sophie remains steadfast in pursuing her aspirations,
demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness in her quest for success.
Q4: How does the story contrast Sophie’s dreams and her family’s
reality?
A4: The story illustrates the stark contrast between Sophie’s dreams of
success and her family’s reality of financial struggle and limited
opportunities. Sophie’s parents and siblings are depicted as working-class
individuals with modest aspirations, emphasising the disparity between
Sophie’s ambitions and her family’s circumstances.
Her father’s scepticism and her mother’s resignation highlight Sophie’s
challenges in realising her dreams. Despite the familial pressure to
conform to societal expectations, Sophie refuses to be confined by her
circumstances, daring to dream of a life beyond the confines of her
upbringing.
Q5: What role does Sophie’s brother Geoff play in the story?
A5: Geoff is a contrasting figure to Sophie, embodying a sense of silent
contemplation and detachment from her aspirations. As an apprentice
mechanic, Geoff represents a more pragmatic approach to life, focusing on
practicalities rather than dreams.
Despite his silence, Geoff’s interactions with Sophie reveal his underlying
support and concern for her well-being. He remains sceptical of her
encounters with Danny Casey. His protective instincts and subtle gestures
of solidarity underscore the complexities of sibling relationships and the
importance of familial bonds in navigating life’s challenges.
Q6: How does the encounter with Danny Casey influence Sophie’s
perception of her dreams?
A6: Sophie’s encounter with Danny Casey symbolises the intersection of
her dreams with reality. While initially star-struck by Casey’s presence and
hopeful about a potential friendship, Sophie’s disappointment at his
absence highlights the fleeting nature of her aspirations.
The encounter catalyses Sophie’s realisation that her dreams may remain
unfulfilled, prompting her to confront the harsh realities of her situation.
Despite her initial excitement, Sophie grapples with the disappointment of
unmet expectations, forcing her to reassess her perceptions of success
and the feasibility of her dreams in the face of adversity.
Q7: What is the significance of Sophie’s final reflection on her
encounter with Danny Casey?
A7: Sophie’s final reflection on her encounter with Danny Casey
symbolises her acceptance of reality and the resilience of her spirit in the
face of disappointment. Despite Casey’s absence and the doubts cast on
her story, Sophie finds solace in the memory of their brief interaction,
recognising the importance of holding onto moments of hope amidst
adversity.
The reflection encapsulates the bittersweet nature of dreams and the
enduring power of imagination in shaping one’s reality. In confronting the
limitations of her circumstances, Sophie emerges as a symbol of resilience
and inner strength, embodying the transformative power of hope and
perseverance in the face of life’s uncertainties.
Q8: What is the nature of Sophie’s encounter with Danny Casey?
A8: Sophie’s encounter with Danny Casey is pivotal in ‘Going Places,’
characterised by excitement, hope, and disappointment. It occurs
unexpectedly in an arcade, where Sophie recognises Casey by his distinct
accent and converses with him.
Initially star-struck and eager to engage with the renowned footballer,
Sophie’s encounter with Casey represents a fleeting moment of
connection and possibility amidst the mundane backdrop of her everyday
life. She attempts to procure an autograph for her brother but is thwarted
by the lack of paper and pen, leading to a brief exchange about the
clothes in a nearby shop.
Sophie’s encounter with Casey sparks hope and excitement, but he fails to
follow his promise to meet again, emphasising the fleeting nature of
dreams and life’s uncertainties.
Q9: What are the complexities of sibling relationships highlighted
by Geoff’s protective instincts and subtle gestures of solidarity
towards Sophie?
A9: Geoff’s protective instincts and subtle gestures of solidarity towards
Sophie emphasise the nuanced dynamics of sibling relationships,
characterised by a delicate balance of support, concern, and occasional
friction. Despite his reserved demeanour, Geoff’s actions reveal a deep-
 seated commitment to Sophie’s well-being, underscoring the complexities
inherent in sibling bonds.
Firstly, Geoff’s protective instincts reflect a sense of responsibility towards
Sophie, stemming from his role as an older brother. His guarded
scepticism about Sophie’s encounters with Danny Casey and her lofty
aspirations reflects a desire to shield her from disappointment and
potential harm, highlighting the inherent tension between protection and
autonomy within sibling relationships.
Geoff’s subtle gestures of solidarity, such as his guarded support for
Sophie’s dreams and his reluctance to entirely dismiss her aspirations,
underscore the underlying sense of familial loyalty and mutual
understanding that permeates their relationship. Despite their differences
in temperament and outlook, Geoff’s actions convey a shared history and
unspoken camaraderie that transcends individual differences, highlighting
the complexities and depth of sibling connections.
Q10: What challenges does Sophie face in pursuing her dreams,
and how does she navigate them?
A10: Sophie faces many challenges in pursuing her dreams, primarily
stemming from her family’s socioeconomic constraints and societal
expectations. As a working-class girl from a modest background, Sophie’s
aspirations of owning a boutique or pursuing a career in acting seem lofty
and unattainable. Financial limitations, coupled with her family’s
scepticism and the practicalities of everyday life, pose significant hurdles
to her ambitions.
To navigate these challenges, Sophie demonstrates resilience,
determination, and resourcefulness. Despite the odds stacked against her,
she refuses to succumb to complacency or resignation, instead forging
ahead with unwavering resolve. Sophie explores alternative pathways to
her dreams, considering managerial roles and part-time work as a
stepping stone towards her ultimate goals. Moreover, she leverages her
encounters, such as her brief interaction with Danny Casey, as sources of
inspiration and motivation, drawing strength from moments of hope
amidst adversity.
Through her tenacity and perseverance, Sophie confronts the harsh
realities of her circumstances while steadfastly holding onto her dreams,
embodying the transformative power of ambition and resilience in the face
of adversity.

Q11: Sophie and Jansie were classmates and friends. What were the
differences between them that show up in the story?
A11: Sophie and Jansie, though classmates and friends have distinct differences
in their outlooks and circumstances, apparent throughout the story:
  Ambition and Dreams: Sophie dreams of owning a boutique and
pursuing glamorous careers like acting or fashion designing. Jansie is more
practical and doubts Sophie’s ambitious plans.
 Family Situation: Sophie’s family struggles financially, living in a small,
cluttered space. Jansie’s family background is not detailed, but she seems
more stable.
 Perception of Reality: Sophie sees the world through a romantic lens,
believing in the possibility of meeting Danny Casey. Jansie is more
sceptical and questions Sophie’s stories.
 Social Dynamics: Sophie’s interactions with her family, especially her
brother Geoff, reveal tensions and longing for something beyond their
current environment. Jansie appears to have a more stable relationship
with her family.
These differences between Sophie and Jansie add depth to their characters and
shape the story’s dynamics.
Q12: How would you describe the character and temperament of
Sophie’s father?
A12: Sophie’s father comes across as a practical and somewhat sceptical man
with a touch of cynicism.
 Practicality: Sophie’s father seems grounded in reality. He doesn’t easily
believe in fanciful dreams or stories, as seen in his reaction to Sophie’s
aspirations of owning a boutique and her encounter with Danny Casey.
 Scepticism: He doubts his children’s stories and dreams, especially about
Sophie’s encounter with Danny Casey and her aspirations.
 Disdain for Impractical Ideas: He disapproves of Sophie’s impractical
aspirations, like owning a boutique or becoming an actress, due to his
practical experiences.
 Limited Expression of Emotion: Sophie’s father is reserved and
practical and doesn’t often express his emotions openly.
 Concern for Family’s Well-being: He’s sceptical but cares for his
family’s well-being, expressing concern to protect them from
disappointment or hardship.
To summarise, Sophie’s father appears pragmatic and somewhat stoic,
concerned with life’s realities and hesitant to entertain flights of fancy or
unrealistic expectations.
Q13: Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other
person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise?
A13: Sophie’s fondness for her brother Geoff seems to stem from several
factors:
  Mystery and Adventure: Sophie sees Geoff as a mysterious figure
representing an exciting world beyond her own. She longs to unravel his
secrets and be a part of his adventures.
 Independence and Maturity: Geoff is an independent and mature
apprentice mechanic who impresses Sophie with his calm demeanour and
self-sufficiency. She admires him and wishes to be a part of his world to
achieve her independence and adulthood.
 Shared Secrets and Trust: Sophie confides in Geoff and shares her
encounters and dreams with him. Their shared secrets create a bond of
intimacy and understanding. Geoff’s belief in her reinforces the trust
between them.
Geoff symbolises adventure, maturity, independence, and trust for
Sophie. He represents the possibility of a life beyond their current
circumstances and a confidant with whom she can share her aspirations and
experiences.
Q14: What socio-economic background did Sophie belong to? What are
the indicators of her family’s financial status?
A14: Sophie belonged to a lower socio-economic background. Several indicators
suggest her family’s financial status:
1. Father’s Occupation: Sophie’s father works hard, likely in manual
labour, as indicated by his grimy, sweat-marked face and vest attire at the
table, suggesting a blue-collar job.
2. Living Conditions: The description of their small, cluttered home, with a
steamy atmosphere from the stove and dirty washing piled up in the
corner, suggests modest living conditions.
3. Financial Constraints: Sophie’s dream of owning a boutique or
becoming a fashion designer/actress is met with practical concerns from
her loved ones, who believe it might be financially unattainable.
4. Sibling’s Employment: Sophie’s brother, Geoff, is described as an
apprentice mechanic, which suggests a practical, hands-on job rather than
one with high social status or significant financial rewards.
5. Concerns about Money: Sophie’s family members, including her mother
and brother, express concerns about money, implying financial struggles
and the need for careful financial planning.
6. Limited Opportunities: Sophie and Jansie’s conversation highlights the
limited career options for people from certain socio-economic
backgrounds.
Sophie’s family belongs to a working-class or lower-middle-class socio-economic
background, characterised by financial challenges and limited opportunities for
upward mobility.