1.Look at the front cover and observe it. How do you relate the title to the picture?
In this picture we can see a young couple. It’s an old photo. More or less, in the midle of the front cover we can see the title.
I relate that the title talks about two lives completly different betwen the other but at the same time they show us a picture of a couple. I think that they do that at the reason to motivate the people and create interes.
2.Most of the story takes place in Tredonald, Wales. Find information about this coal mining village.
The miners' strike of 1984/1985 was a major industrial action affecting the British coal industry. It was a defining moment in British industrial relations.
In 1984 I spent 12 months photographing the Miners' Strike in the UK. The dispute started when the Conservative government, led by Margaret Thatcher, announced the closure of Cortonwood Colliery in Yorkshire.
At it's height 165,000 miners were out on strike. They were supported by people from all over the world.
3.Chapter 1: Two young lives
-" Life was not easy for the Thomas family." Why ? ( 3 lines )
It’s a sad history. The mother of Huw (the principal character) died. Then, he and his brother (Gareth) work at the mine and they have to carry on; his father can’t work because of his problem with the drink, and cause he is forty-years-old.
- Richard Thomas had been killed while fighting in North Africa in 1943. Which war was it ?
The second world war.
- In chapter 1 we know that Megan and Huw are good friends. Describe the moment.
Yes. They had been friends for years. They always were together, at school and out of there. When he went to the Megan’s shop she asked to go out for a walk.
4. Chapter 2 : The friendship continues
-In this chapter Megan and Huw take a decision about their relationship. Explain it. Why do they take it?
Huw asked to Megan if she wanted to be his girl and she accepted.
They decided to have their relationship in secret for her father; because he didn’t think that Huw was a good boy for his daughter.
5. Chapter 3: Romance grows
-"This Saturday was going to be a night to remember." ( page 15 ) Why?
Because it will be the first night that they could pass the night alone. And they could enjoy the night with out think if someone see them together.
Huw gives to Megan a present.
6. Chapter 4: Death at the mine / Leaving Tredonald
-After the first four chapters, how would you define the relationship between Huw and his brother?
They work too hard for have always a plate at the table.
They always have a good relationship. They love and respect so much each other.
7. Chapter 6: A surprise find
-Megan finds the letters Huw had sent her 50 years before, in 1946 and 1947. Imagine Meg's father was still alive and that you are Meg. What would you tell him?
I suppose that they would tell him that I’m not a child already and that he don’t have to choose the way of my life for me.
And that’s a good reason to don’t trust him any more.
-In the first letter Meg asks Huw: " Do you think he wanted me to find them when it was to late?". What dou you think?
Yes.
He wanted to defend her like this.
And if he find them so late; she, possible, have rebuild her life with another man.
He always thought that Huw’ll not be the best husband for Megan.
8. Chapter 7: Time to decide
-Before leaving Tredonald, Huw told Megan : "in a year ...I'll come back here and we'll get married..." ( pag.23 ); but things turned out to be completely different. Why ?
In this year, Huw wrote a lot of letters to Megan and she never received and sent any one.
Then, Huw decided to not go back to Tredonald because of this.
9. Chapter 8: Telling Beth
-Find some information about Cardiff ( 3 lines ) and post a picture.
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county in Wales. It was a small town until the early 19th century and came to prominence as a major port city for the transport of coal following the arrival of industry in the region.
10. Chapter 10: Writing back
-Meg is about to get married. In spite of that, she lets Huw visit her and her daughter. Why does she act that way? Do you think she does it for Beth or for herself?
I don’t know but I suppose that she did that like this for both.
She couldn’t forget him in her life but also I think that she thought that her daughter have the best opportunity to know her father.
11. Chapter 11 : A new star
-What's Meg's present job?
She sometimes takes groups of visitors on tours down the mine. And she explain some stories that happened there, before it was close.
-Why does Huw tell her " you always were a fighter, weren't you?" ? ( pag.48 )
Because she always said to her parents a lot of lies when she wanted to stay with Huw.
-Do you think two people can still be in love after 50 years without seeing each other?
Yes.
I belive in the love of a couple. If It’s a true love It could be forever.
The only thing that you have to do it’s find the correct person and respect and accept him.
12. Chapter 17 : Time to go
-Imagie the conversation between Paul and Megan the moment she tells him that she is still in love with Huw. Write it down.
- Megan: Paul, I have something in my hair that It’s important to tell you.
- Paul: Tell me… If I can, I will help you.
- Megan: Paul, do you remember Huw? My first love?
- Paul: Yes.
- Megan: Well… I’m still loving Huw. And, I will get marry with him.
- Paul: But I love you, Megan!
- Megan: I know, Paul. But I made a mistake letting him go out one time and I don’t want to fall in another mistake like this. I was thinking and it’s the best option. You will find another women to spend your rest of life with her. I wish you the best!
- Paul: I will never forget you; and all we live. I want, for you the best, too!
13. Did you like the book? Why ? What did you learn by reading it?
Yes.
I love this book. It’s a real story and it permit you to feel more the context.
It’s too easy to understand. I think that I didn’t learn so much but I was good to read because we improve our English doing the work.
I’m happy to understand all the story! I want to read more books like this!
-TWO LIVES- by Helen Naylor, Cambridge University Press.
