Discussion questions on aging in late adulthood and Tuck Everlasting
1.
There are multiple symbols in the book such as the music box, the toad, and water. Identify the
symbols and determine what they might mean. (Remember: a literary symbol is a physical object that
represents an abstract concept) Why is the toad important to the story?
2.
The author uses foreshadowing in multiple places in this book. For example, when Winnie and
Tuck are in the rowboat a “bullfrog spoke a deep note of warning” (The bullfrog foreshadows trouble
ahead). Where else do you see foreshadowing?
3.
Why is Tuck so sad about his life? Why is his immortality like a curse? How does Mae perceive
it? Miles? Why does Jesse perceive his immortality completely different from the rest of his family?
4.
Is Jesse being selfish when he gives Winnie the bottle of spring water? What important decision
does Winnie make when she pours the spring water on the toad? Why does she make this decision?
What has influenced her?
5.
Why does Tuck say, “Good girl” when he sees that Winnie is dead? What is Mae's reaction when
she finds out Winnie has died? Do you think a different reaction would have been better? How does the
ending make you feel? Why is it important to understand the story in terms of decisions and
consequences?
6.
The man in the yellow suit wants to package and sell the magical water that will stop the aging
process. Do you think most people would want to buy and use the water? Why or why not?
7.
How do the characters in Tuck Everlasting accurately represent individuals at the age of 10, 17,
22, and middle age? How do the characters differ from people in those actual life stages? How do these
differences make for a stronger story?
8.
Define ageism. Do the Tucks face this issue as they age?
9.
How do each of the Tucks represent Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development? Are they all
at the same stage, given that they are all at least 100 years old? If not, what stages has each achieved
or failed to achieve?
10.
In late adulthood, intimacy and generativity remain critical to a good life. Are both of these
needs fulfilled for each of the Tucks? How, or why not?
11.
Absent a fountain of youth, what lifestyle characteristics are commonly found in populations
with a significant number of centenarians?