Rock Creek By RW Bennett
Question 1
The European aristocracy maintained its wealth and status through a caste-like system
where, from birth to death, it was almost impossible to improve one’s station in life. In
the late 1700s this system was being severely tested. The American Revolution had a lot
to do with it with its proclamation that “all men are created equal” - quite a novel concept
for the times. What are a few other significant changes that took place clear into the 20th
Century that led to changes in the lives the less privileged like Ramsey and Annie Chris
who yearned to escape virtual serfdom?
Question 2
The Victorian Age was thriving well into the 20th Century and Myra was caught right in
the middle of it. When did mores begin to change for women in Europe and America?
Question 3
You may remember examples of Victorian mores that were still in place as you were
growing up. Name a few examples.
Question 4
Myra’s experience in the dead of winter on the winter range with Ramsey as they tried to
find his sheep changed her life. What did she discover about herself during this time?
Question 5
By giving examples, try to track the step by step self-discovery progress Myra made from
the winter range to the end of the story.
Question 6
If the book were a movie, who should be cast to play the following roles:
a. Myra
b. Ramsey
c. Annie Chris
d. Langston
e. Junior
Question 7
Below are twelve common themes found in works of fiction. Which of these bests
describes the theme in ROCK CREEK and why? Novels often have more than one
theme. If none of these fit the story what would you suggest?
a. Love
b. War
c. Revenge
d. Betrayal
e. Remorse
f. Good versus evil
g. Redemption
h. Friendship
i. Family
j. Death
k. Prejudice
l. Coming of Age
Question 8
If you could identify one moral to the story, what would the moral of this story be?