Essay Questions

Why did Moon’s father, Pap, decide to spend his entire life in the forest?

Pap decided to live in the forest away from people and the government after he survived the Vietnam War. Pap's experiences in war were terrible because he witnessed massive deaths, and the government did nothing to help the people. After the war, Pap developed a negative relationship with the government, and never wanted to live with people. Therefore, he decided to live in the forest with his family. Pap discouraged his son, Moon, from creating relationships with people and the government because they are untrustworthy. Consequently, Pap's decision to leave in isolation was fueled by his bad experiences in the Vietnam War.

How does Moon come to the reality that living in the forest for the rest of his life might not be the best idea?

When Moon is taken to jail after his first arrest, he interacts with other imprisoned children like Kit and Hal. Moon is shocked to learn that he can have friends outside the forest. Moon tells his new friends to come up with an escape strategy. The three friends manage to escape jail and run into the forest. Moon shows his new friends how to survive in the forest. Unfortunately, Kit gets sick, and they take him to the hospital. Moon starts interacting with people outside the forest and realizes he can have a good life outside the forest.

What is the role of Constable Sanders in the novel Alabama Moon by Watt Key?

Constable Sanders is a significant character in the novel because he represents police brutality and the rot in the justice system. When Sanders first arrests Moon, he slaps off his cap and throws it on the roadside. Sanders mishandles Moon while putting him inside the police vehicle. In addition, Sanders intentionally throws Moon's wheelbarrow on a galley. In another incident, Sanders present false evidence before the judge to put Moon behind bars. For instance, Sanders says that Moon ate the police dogs, which was not true. Therefore, Sanders illustrates that the police and public prosecutors can give false evidence before the judge to jail innocent victims.