Parent-child relationships

At the beginning, Kezia does not understand her father’s feelings. His serious face, loud voice, and strict manner make him appear frightening, so she avoids speaking freely with him. She believes that he is very different from the gentle adults she knows. Her view is based mainly on what she sees from a distance, not on a real understanding of his character.

Her opinion changes after he cares for her during the night. When he brings her close, gives her warmth, and protects her while she is frightened, she discovers that his stern outer manner hides affection and responsibility. Thus, the movement is from fear to understanding and love. Choice C is correct because it describes this complete change, whereas the other choices either reverse it or deny it.

Kezia's purpose was loving but the result was wrong. In exams it is important to see the feeling behind a mistake.

Kezia's fear reduces when she understands her father's love. Focus on emotional change in exams.

Alice comforts her and Grandmother asks her to connect with father. Remember the roles of supporting characters.

The absence of Mother and Grandmother increases Kezia's loneliness. In exams understand situation and feeling together.

The night scene reveals a side of the father that Kezia had not noticed earlier. Although he usually appears busy, stern, and difficult to approach, he does not ignore her when she is afraid and alone. He brings her close, provides comfort, and allows her to sleep safely beside him. These actions are quiet signs of care rather than a dramatic expression of emotion.

This event proves that his strict exterior does not mean that he lacks love. He has duties and may express affection differently from the way Kezia expects, but he remains concerned about her safety and comfort. Therefore, choice D is correct: he is loving and responsible within. Choices A, B, and C contradict the meaning of the night incident because it shows protection, not rejection or an attempt to frighten her.

There was little open communication between Kezia and her father. In exams write lack of communication as the cause of misunderstanding.

Because of tiredness and seriousness, the father's love is not shown openly. In exams also see the reasons behind behaviour.

Because of the nightmare, father comforts Kezia. In exams connect it with the turning point of the plot.

The pin cushion was made with love but the torn papers caused misunderstanding. Understand the symbolic meaning simply in exams.

Kezia is frightened by her father’s strict manner and serious presence. As a result, she feels uncomfortable around him and tries to avoid him. If she felt confidence or pride, she would speak to him freely rather than keep away from him. Exam tip: To identify a character’s mental state, connect actions and reactions with the feelings that cause them.

The father appears stern, busy and disciplined, so Kezia is afraid of him. However, when her mother is in hospital, he lets Kezia sleep beside him and comforts her when she is frightened. This reveals his love and sense of responsibility; therefore, his strictness is not entirely negative. Unlike Macdonald, he does not openly play and mingle with his children all the time. Exam tip: Mention both sides of his character—his stern exterior and his hidden affection.

The Macdonald family gives a comparison that makes Kezia's father easier to understand. Remember the purpose of comparison.

At night her father made her feel safe. This experience changes her point of view in the story.

The title connects the story with Kezia's child mind. In exams understand the title through the main character's viewpoint.

Kezia is deeply affected by her father's stern manner and is frightened of him. Later, when he comforts her, she begins to feel his love and care. This shows that children experience emotions with great sensitivity. Option B is incorrect because Kezia does feel afraid of her father. Exam tip: Remember Kezia's change from fear to understanding and affection.

The father loves but does not express it openly. In exams write the difference between love and expression.

Lack of communication between Kezia and her father increased fear. In exams write the importance of communication in relationships.

Kezia’s father initially appears strict, busy, and frightening, and he does punish her. However, when she is terrified by a nightmare, he comforts her and lets her sleep beside him. This reveals his concealed affection. Looking only at his punishment or comparing him only with Macdonald does not give a complete view of his character. Exam tip: judge a character through both behaviour and actions in different situations.

The experience of safety shows the father as loving. In exams connect this experience with change of viewpoint.