Discussion/Essay Questions:

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

The Winged Watchman is one of those books which can be enjoyed by people of many different ages. The story is appealing even to fairly young children (I read most of it aloud to my five year old) and yet some of the ideas it brings up can be rather heavy. Consequently some of the following questions may even be challenging for a high schooler.

1. What is a landwatcher? Why are they despised by the Dutch?

2. In chapter 2, Mr. and Mrs. Verhagen are discussing a neighbor's son who was made a landwatcher. Why is Mrs. Verhagen so shocked? What does Mr. Verhagen respond? Disuss how being a Catholic should be reflected, not only in fulfilling one's religious duties, but also in one's behavior "outside of church."

3. How did Joris discover that Hendrik Schenderhans was not trustworthy? Consider the significance of telling lies even in trivial matters.

4. What is an underdiver? Why were there underdivers staying at the Winged Watchman?

5. How did Trixie get to be part of the Verhagen family? Why did Leendert's questions about Trixie make Mrs. Verhagen nervous? What happened to Trixie after the war was over?

6. Who was Hildebrand? Why was Uncle Cor irritated by Hildebrand? How does Hildebrand respond to the following question from Uncle Cor on page 142? "But how is one to love one's enemy, when he acts like the Germans?" Explain the answer and discuss whether you think it is true.

7. What is the Winged Watchman? What role did it play in the story? Why is the name appropriate?