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What does it mean when the narrator says that he “pipeclayed” his shoes?
Pipeclaying is the process of whitening something with pipeclay. The fact that the narrator “diligently” pipeclayed his shoes the night before his adventure illustrates that he was excited for the journey and was treating it seriously.
What is happening when the old man walks away from the boys for a second time?
It is not explicitly stated because the narrator, unlike Mahony, does not look up, but it is implied that the old man walks to the other end of the field to pleasure himself, thus exposing himself to the children from a distance.
Why is it significant that the old man mentions the works of Lord Lytton?
Lord Lytton wrote romance stories, and the old man’s comment that “there were some of Lord Lytton’s works which boys couldn’t read” implies that he likes Lytton’s works, in part, because they are sexual in nature. This interaction anticipates the predatory behavior that the old man will soon direct towards the narrator and Mahony.
What is The Halfpenny Marvel?
The Halfpenny Marvel was a British paper filled with stories that were geared towards children which was popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was published by the Amalgamated Press.
What is a “swaddler”?
A swaddler is an Irish slang word for a Protestant. The poor boys yell this as an insult to the narrator and Mahony because they think Mahony is Protestant due to his dark complexion.
