The Running Man Chapter 2 Questions

Chapter Two:

1. What are the attitudes of Mrs Mossop, Laura Davidson and Joseph towards Tom Leyton?
Mrs Mossop's, Laura Davidson's and Joseph's attitudes towards Tom Leyton are not positive. In fact, he is considered as a tantalising riddle for the whole neighbourhood. Mrs Mossop thinks that Tom is a dangerous, sick man. On the other hand, Laura Davidson believes that he has gone through a lot and has seen more of the world than he wanted to. She believes that this is the reason Tom behaves so strangely. For Joseph, Tom Leyton has become an accepted unknown, like the dark interior of a house passed by every day but never entered.

2. What is Joseph's reaction to the suggestion that he draw Tom Leyton for his school project?
When Caroline suggests to Joseph that he draw Tom Leyton for his school project, he reacts badly and feels surprised. It is as if something unspeakable has been thrust between them that cannot be taken away. Joseph tries to search for words to say no but he remains struck dumb, with a half-smile frozen on his face and his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

3. What references are there to Joseph's father in this chapter? How does Joseph respond to any mention of his father?
In this chapter, the reader find out that Joseph's father is driving some big machinery up in Bougainville as his occupation and that he has already been away for six months. Joseph seems to have negative feelings towards his father. He does not want to talk about him to Caroline, or anyone else, for that matter. Instead, Joseph recoils from the unwanted memories about his father that force their way into his mind.