Vince Sheehan discusses this 1968 novel. A simple powerpoint presentation outlining its themes and structure is also provided.
Chocky
Distillation: a boy ‘possessed’ by a benign alien
Themes/symbols: childhood, school, teachers, middle class England, psychology, possession, imaginary friends, swimming, medals, modes of transport, art, science, mission, environmentalism, kidnapping, adoption, farewell, Father/Son, friendship, press/media
1. Matthew overheard chatting to an invisible friend
2. Chocky is introduced
3. Matthew’s teachers express concerns
4. Chocky criticises human modes of transport
5. Landis talks to Matthew
6. Matthew / Chocky’s pictures
7. With Chocky’s help, Matthew saves himself and Polly from drowning and creates quite a media circus
8. Matthew / Chocky’s art ends up in the national newspapers
9. Chocky leaves Matthew
10. Matthew is kidnapped and then found
11. Chocky reveals her mission to David
12. Matthew’s new medal
