The Highest Branch of the Tree

Key Questions

  1. Why is Harry bullied at his new school?
  2. How do the bullies - at least the narrator - feel after the tree episode?
  3. What is your impression of Harry as a grown-up?

    4. Has he changed?

    Has he learned anything?

    Has he recovered from being bullied?

    Why does he thank Douglas? (Is he sincere?)

    What does he mean when he says he's been "jumping from behind cars on the last lap" for many years?

    Why does he have a tree in the lobby of his office?

  4. How do you interpret the ending?
  5. How do you interpret the title?
  6. Is Harry a typical victim of bullying, in your opinion?
  7. What examples of bullying have you yourself witnessed or experienced, and what impression did they make on you?
  8. What can be done (by the school, by the teachers…) to prevent bullying?