English 12 Honors
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
Reading Guide
Prologue
1. Explain Tom Wingo’s opening observation, “My wound is geography. It is also my anchorage, my port of call.”
2. How does the incident involving Tom’s killing of the eagle establish the character of his father, Henry Wingo?
3. What aspect of his mother’s character is revealed in her descriptions of the dreams of flowers and animals? What is the significance
of Tom’s observation that her children “did not know that mothers dreamed”?
4. Notice the freshness of Conroy’s image-laden prose: “The island country where I grew up was a fertile, semitropical archipelago that
gradually softened up the ocean for the grand surprise of the continent that followed.”
5. How did Tom’s mother view the bridge between Melrose Island and St. Anne’s Island?
6. How did the Wingo family come to own Melrose Island?
7. How does Tom’s observation that his mother, Lila Wingo, “saw the world through a dazzling prism of authentic imagination” suggest
his love of her? How does he foreshadow the tragedy of her dream?
8. Explain the magic of Tom’s earliest memory, the “quiet duel of gold.”
9. According to Tom, how would he describe growing up in the lowcountry of South Carolina to a stranger?
10. How does the connotation of “sacristan” express Tom’s view of himself? of the lowcountry?
11. How does the incident with the beached pilot whales symbolize Tom’s bittersweet childhood?
12. How does the connotation of “demonology” contribute to Tom’s description of his youth?
13. In admitting the transgressions of his parents against their own children, Tom claims that “In families there are no crimes beyond
forgiveness.” Do you agree or disagree? How does the “passwords” dialogue between Tom and his twin sister Savannah express the
attraction/repulsion of their youth?
14. According to Tom, in what way does he “embody everything that is wrong with the twentieth century”?
15. How has Savannah’s second suicide attempt served as a catalyst in Tom’s character?
Chapter 1
1. What can be discerned about Tom’s relationship with his mother from his sarcastic comments after her phone call and from their
exchanges during her visit? How does this incident reflect or contradict Tom’s opinions in the Prologue?
2. About what issues do Tom and Lila argue?
3. What loss has led to Tom’s disillusionment concerning his youthful dreams? What advice concerning his depression does Sallie offer?
What observation concerning blame for the quality of his life does she make?
4. What effect has Tom’s withdrawal had on Sallie? How does Tom react to her forthright confession?
5. Interpret Tom’s claim that his failed life is a “bitter, outrageous slice of Americana.”
Chapter 2
1. Why does Tom hate New York City? Why does Savannah love it?
2. Explain the effect of Tom’s metaphor that Savannah knew “that the South could never be more for them than a fragrant prison
administered by a collective of loving but treacherous relatives.”
3. What character traits of Luke, Savannah, and Tom are revealed in Tom’s narrative of the publication of Savannah’s first book of
poetry?
4. What characteristics of Conroy’s style are evident in the paragraph about Savannah’s voice, which begins, “But, at first, I could not
hear her”?
5. In what way does Tom’s dream of Savannah and himself in utero reflect his conflicting epiphanies concerning her?
6. Savannah’s hallucinations are part symbolic flashbacks and part foreboding foreshadowing. Remember the lurid images she sees in
these visions; they will become clearer to you as Tom narrates the events of their childhood.
7. What topic of conversation between Tom and Luke increases the reader’s speculation of Savannah’s visions?
8. Why does Tom consider Luke “a man of action”? Why does Tom consider himself a mediocre man?
Chapter 3
1. Describe the relationship between Savannah and Tom in the five years since her last suicide attempt. To what nursery rhyme does
Tom allude in characterizing his role in visiting Savannah now, after her third attempt? What is the effect of this comparison?
2. What is the underlying theme of Savannah’s poem? What images does she use to express this theme? How is it related to the
dedication?
3. How do Lowenstein’s manner and questions offend Tom?
4. When Tom visits Savannah in the hospital, what are the tone and mood of his monologue?
5. Highlight the “paragraph” which Lowenstein culled from tapes of Savannah’s outbursts. From time to time as you finish the novel,
you will want to reread this outburst in which Tom says Savannah is “screaming out her autobiography.”
5. How does Tom’s attitude toward Dr. Lowenstein change as they converse over dinner? Why does his attitude change? In addition to
assisting Dr. Lowenstein in counseling Savannah, what other motivation guides his cooperation?
6. Which of Eddie Detreville’s comments can Tom not bear to hear? Why?
7. In Savannah’s letter to Tom after his first game as a football coach, what advice does she give him concerning what he could teach his
boys?
8. With the onset of his migraine headache, what vow does Tom make? Using your knowledge of Tom from the Prologue and the first
three chapters, do you think he will be successful? What aspects of his life do you think he would include in a list of things to change?
Chapter 4
1. Explain the meaning of Tom’s opening observation, “There are no verdicts to childhood, only consequences, and the bright freight of
memory.”
2. Describe some of the circumstances attendant to Tom’s and Savannah’s births.
3. What technique is used by Conroy to pique interest and increase suspense in Tom’s narration of the strife in his parents’ lives on the
day of his birth?
4. What impression of Henry Wingo develops in this chapter? Why would Tom omit the deprecating jabs at his father’s character that
are included in most references to him?
5. As Henry and Günter Kraus bid farewell, the priest voices his recognition that Henry’s seeking shelter in the church was a fortunate
opportunity for the priest. Why does he view it this way now rather than in a negative light as he did when Henry first appeared?
6. Find the one-sentence paragraph that expresses the closure of the interlude between Henry and Günther.
7. After his escape to Switzerland, with what new battle cry did Henry carry out the rest of his bombing missions over Germany? Why?
8. How did Günther Kraus’s life end? Imagine his final perspective of his life as a priest.
9. How does Henry defend Father Kraus? Why does he take the statue of the Infant of Prague with him when he leaves Dissan?
10. What two rituals were continued on Tom and Savannah’s birthday? Tom admits that Sarah Jenkins and Günter Kraus became heroic
and mythic characters to the Wingo family. But he undercuts their sacrifices through what observation about the result of their
heroism?
11. What is the effect of Tom’s explanation of his father’s murder of the pregnant woman during his escape on the impression of Henry’s
character established in the rest of the chapter?
12. How does Tom relate these stories of his and Savannah’s day of birth to her breakdown?
13. Why does Dr. Lowenstein respond, “Wonderful. Simply wonderful”?
Chapter 5
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Tom calls his summer in New York “introspective, confessional days.” What purpose does this type of day serve in anyone’s life?
Identify the different metaphors Tom uses to describe his search in the past.
What does Tom hope for himself as he contributes to Dr. Lowenstein’s treatment of Savannah?
Tom’s attitude toward his parents is complex. Without over-simplifying it, identify several of his opinions (sometimes contradictory)
of Lila and Henry.
In what way is the picnic on Stone Mountain an archetypal moment in this family’s life?
Why does Tom emulate his mother? How does she react to his devotion to her?
How does the appearance of the “giant” in the Wingos’ lives add intrigue to the plot? Find several examples of foreshadowing in the
narration of this incident.
How did the word “Callanwolde” assume a symbolic connotation? In describing its symbolic significance, Tom is actually identifying
what moment in the experience of youth?
The black widow spiders save the Wingos from a vicious rapist and murderer. How does Tom foreshadow the continuing role of
nature’s creatures in their lives?
Chapter 6
1. What does Tom’s discussion of Sue Ellen, his former student, contribute to the development of his character?
2. As the topic of his conversation with Dr. Lowenstein changes to his mother, how does Tom pinpoint the trait of his mother that
disgusts him the most?
3. Interpret Tom’s comment that his brother Luke was the only one in the family who was “living the essential life.”
4. When Dr. Lowenstein reveals Savannah’s wish that Tom not visit her anymore, Tom makes no reply and the narrative turns to
Tolitha Wingo, Tom’s grandmother. How do you think Tom felt about Savannah’s wish?
5. Evaluate Tom’s observation about “the way all old people in America die . . . from humiliation, incontinence, boredom, and neglect.”
6. What techniques does Conroy use to individualize Tolitha Wingo?
7. When Tolitha Wingo returned to her family after three years of touring the world, what role did she play in family politics? Explain
her belief that sin’s “most volatile form was the kind that did not recognize itself.”
8. What simile does Tom use to describe his grandfather’s informal and personal ministry? Why is it an appropriate choice of imagery?
9. With what “title” did the Bible company annoint Amos Wingo at his retirement?
10. Tom calls his grandparents’ relationship a “marriage without weather.” What does he mean by this phrase?
11. Tom concludes this part of his narrative with an ironic observation about his childhood: “I lived out my childhood thinking my
father would one day kill me. But I dwelt in a world where nothing was explained to children except the supremacy of the concept of
loyalty.” How did this paradox affect the development of Tom’s character?
Chapter 7
1. How does Tom and Lowenstein’s conversation lead to an intense argument between them? Whose position do you consider more
justified? How does Lowenstein de-escalate the tension? Why does she do what she had just refused to do?
2. How does Tom describe his current “self”?
3. How does the incident involving Rose Aster reveal the character traits of Henry, Tom, and Savannah? What is particularly poignant
about Savannah’s theory about her four stillborn siblings?
4. Explain in your own words Tom’s observations in the short paragraph beginning, “Though we could say the Confiteor in Latin.”
You may have to consult a dictionary for thorough definitions of several words, especially those with a religious connotation.
5. How does Henry treat Lila on the evening after Rose Aster’s funeral?
6. How do Lila’s confession of her loneliness and eliciting promises from Tom affect him? Which statements by her would be the most
difficult to understand from a child’s point of view?
7. In what way is her behavior in this incident even more perfidious than Tom knew at the time?
8. In further analyzing his father, Tom mentions that he taught Tom “a great deal about the self-made loneliness of mankind.” Would
this state of mind also be evident in Lila? Tom? Savannah? Luke?
9. What event motivates Savannah to start keeping a journal? According to her, what is Tom’s role as her twin? What eventually
happens to her journal? What poignant and symbolic scene does Tom describe?
10. Why was the dinner at the Coach House in celebration of the publication of Savannah’s first book of poetry so significant in Tom’s
memory?
11. What background information on Lowenstein’s husband and son does Tom learn during dinner at the Coach House? What “deal” do
they strike?
12. Explain the details of Tom’s breakdown and firing (as told to Lowenstein).
Chapter 8
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In what way might Mr. Fruit be considered a metaphor for Everyman?
How is Reese Newbury given immediate significance in the novel?
Identify the humor and pathos of Tolitha’s coffin-shopping.
What function does this chapter serve in Tom’s narrative?
Chapter 9
1. What theme is served by the incident in Sarah Poston’s dress shop in May, 1955?
2. Compare and contrast the ethics of Mr. Carlton Roe, the principal, and Tom’s mother in their reactions to Tom’s fight with Todd
Newbury. What motivates the action of each?
3. How does the background of the Newbury mansion contribute to the “distinction and immortality” of the Newbury family? What is
the effect of the intended emphasis of focusing on “where Todd Newbury spent his childhood”?
4. What is Tom’s theory concerning Isabel Newbury’s dislike of Lila Wingo?
5. Contrast the responses of Todd’s mother and father to Tom’s attempted (though insincere) apology. How do you account for the
difference? Why does Reese Newbury want his son to slap Tom’s face?
6. Tom thinks that he had discovered the secret way powerful men attain and uphold their status in the world, but he does not explicitly
explain “the secret way.” How would you explain Tom’s theory?
7. How do Todd and Tom make their tenuous “separate peace”? What new information about Reese Newbury does Tom learn?
8. How does Conroy create suspense at the end of the chapter?
Chapter 10
1. How does Tom handle the surly Bernard Woodruff?
2. Is it just coincidence that this chapter follows the one about Todd Newbury? What reasons for unhappiness do Todd and Bernard
share?
3. Why does Tom ultimately agree to work with Bernard?
Chapter 11
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What does a “fabulist” do?
According to Tom, what did he inherit from his father? his mother?
What is the Colleton League?
The incident involving Lila’s cooking hash made from dog food is humorous, but it also points out significant character traits in Lila
and Henry. What are some of these traits?
Explain the irony of Joop’s death.
The Alpo meals notwithstanding, why does Tom remember with fondness the summer of his mother’s culinary experimentation?
What act involving all of them symbolizes this summer?
Financially troubled characters in literature often refuse charitable actions. Remember Willy Loman’s refusal of Charley’s job offer in
Death of a Salesman? Why is Lila offended by the offer of the turkey by The Colleton League? Was the Wingo family in need of
assistance with their Thanksgiving meal? What evidence is there that the League’s gesture was not inspired by heartfelt sympathy?
What is your opinion of Lila’s reaction?
Conroy expects the reader to empathize with the Wingo family in the loggerhead turtle incident. Why is it possible for the reader to
approve of this “prank”? How does the children’s birthday gift to their mother increase our empathy? What do you think of her
reaction?
Chapter 12
1. To Tom’s surprise, how do teaching and coaching Bernard in football awaken the future for himself?
2. What surprise for Bernard does Tom have planned? How is he going to prove to Susan the importance of football to Bernard and
the change it has effected in him?
3. What is foreshadowed in the closing sentences of this chapter?
Chapter 13
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Why would both Tom and Savannah be puzzled and perhaps even troubled by their admission that they love their father?
Explain Tom’s description of his parents’ version of love as “a deprivation and a withering.”
Why did the Wingo children love accompanying their father on the shrimp boat?
What are some of the metaphors used by Savannah to describe her father in her poems?
What financial scam finally infuriates Lila?
How does the trip to the circus turn gruesome?
Why is Henry able to buy Caesar, the Bengal tiger?
How is his purchase related to one of his business ventures?
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How does Conroy convey the ferocity of Caesar is different ways?
How does Reese Newbury function as an antagonist yet again in this scene?
In what way is Lila Wingo both “ruler and prisoner” in her husband’s house?
When Tom began speculating during adolescence about his own future as a husband, what haunts him and spoils his fantasy?
How does Luke gain Caesar’s affection?
Chapter 14
1. What is a “Grand Guignol”?
2. Explain the irony of Henry Wingo’s observation that his children will thank him one day for making a record of their children
through the films he has made.
3. While listening to Tolitha’s explanation of her marriages, Savannah scolds Tom for his “traditionalist” views: “You don’t understand
a thing about survival.” What does Savannah mean?
4. How do she and Tom react differently to Tolitha’s candor? Why is Savannah so pleased with her conversation with Tolitha? How do
the stories of Tolitha’s world travels inspire and reassure Savannah?
5. Tolitha encourages Savannah to leave Colleton, though she admits that “the smell of this place rides in the bones wherever you go. I
don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing.” How does her observation shed light on the adult Savannah?
6. In Tom’s mind, what does Carolina Snow symbolize?
7. Relishing the appearance of Carolina Snow, Tom calls it one of the “quicksilver moments of my childhood I cannot recapture
entirely.” How does Conroy establish the meaning of the white porpoise in their lives?
8. How does Tom explain his longing for a deeper appreciation or perhaps even emulation of his grandfather?
9. Why does Savannah call Luke her prince?
10. According to Savannah, what is the main difference between Tom and her?
11. Tom admits that he still doesn’t know what to make of his grandfather’s “awesome love of the Word of God.” What has Savannah
made of the experience? What is an “Oberammergau”?
Chapter 15
1. Develop a few generalizations concerning Conroy’s style from the paragraph beginning “Susan Lowenstein was late.”
2. What has been Tom’s pattern with the women he has loved? When Lowenstein reminds him that he has not revealed much about
himself during their conversations, what reason does he give her?
3. When Lowenstein admits that she is attracted to Tom, how does he respond to her?
Chapter 16
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Before the second page of this chapter, how do you sense tragedy in the capturing of Carolina Snow?
How does Tom describe the difference between the scientists’ and the Colleton citizens’ views of the white porpoise?
What form does Luke’s first act of protest take?
Explain the following observation: “the town cheered spontaneously and the apotheosis of the white porpoise was fully achieved.”
What form does the townspeople’s protest take? What actions were taken by the town council and state legislature?
When The Amberjack’s crew tries to trap Carolina Snow outside the county’s waters, how does the citizenry still foil their attempt?
How is Henry Wingo’s role in the capture of Carolina Snow either in keeping with his character as developed so far or a contrast to
it?
8. To whose action does Savannah compare her father’s betrayal of the white porpoise?
9. What is the effect of the rescue caper on the relationship among Luke, Tom, and Savannah?
10. Why does Tom remember this day as “the finest, the very finest, day of Tom Wingo’s life”?
Chapter 17
1. Why do Tom and Savannah react differently to the presence of Benji Washington in their school?
2. What finally causes Tom to modify his prejudice against Benji?
Chapter 18
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Explain Tom’s comment that September, 1961, is part of “the most deeply lived-in year of [his family’s] lives”?
Tom describes Savannah’s beauty as “ingenuous.” Describe the connotation of this word when used to describe beauty.
What irony is apparent in Conroy’s juxtaposition of the pre-game hype of Coach Sams and the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer?
How does Luke’s pre-game speech differ from Coach Sams’s?
What techniques does Conroy use to capture Tom’s pre-game excitement?
How do Luke and Caesar manage to drown out the racial slurs of the opposing team and its fans?
Analyze the paragraph beginning, “I have kept my father’s film of that game” for evidence of Conroy’s writing style. On what
techniques does he rely to put the reader in the scene?
8. Conroy uses quintessential moments in Tom’s life for thematic purpose through Tom’s epiphanies. How does Tom’s run down the
field function in this way?
9. How is the comraderie of the victory spoiled in the locker room?
10. For what reasons does Tom’s mother refuse to buy him a sport coat? What do you think of his desire for one? What do you think of
her arguments against buying him one?
Chapter 19
1. Why does Tom evaluate Savannah’s apartment as “the apartment of someone who wanted to die”? As he searches for clues to her
madness in her published and unpublished poems, what discoveries does he make? Whom do the she-owl and the opal symbolize?
2. Explain the metaphor of the furrier and the poet in terms of Savannah’s poetry and Tom’s quest for an understanding of her.
3. Of what significance to Tom’s understanding of Savannah is his discovery of the identity and fate of Renata Halpern?
4. As a story unrelated to Tom’s life, “The Southern Way” expresses what themes?
Chapter 20
1. In the argument between Tom and Lowenstein over her refusals to let Tom see Savannah and to explain the identity of Renata
Halpern, who makes the stronger argument (in your opinion)?
2. How has Savannah described Tom’s opinions of her problems to Dr. Lowenstein?
3. What comment by Tom finally causes Lowenstein to explode?
4. How is Renata Halpern related to Savannah’s attempted suicides?
5. Why does Tom remember Lowenstein’s gesture more than anything else from his meal at Lutèce?
Chapter 21
1. Why does Tom call his mother? How does she react to his announcement? In what other ways does she attempt to hurt him or
dissuade him from telling the suppressed story? How does their conversation end?
2. How does Tom connect his relationship with his mother to his relationship with all women?
3. In his conversation with Sallie, of what does she complain to him? Explain the irony of the last paragraph of this chapter. Why can’t
he say that to her in person?
Chapter 22
1. Despite the cruelty of Lila Wingo in her children’s childhoods, how are her graduation gifts lovingly appropriate?
2. Of what significance was Savannah’s valedictory address?
3. What topics do Savannah, Luke, and Tom cover in their conversation on the dock? How do their characters shine in this last
moment together?
4. How does Conroy build tension in the early pages of the chapter?
5. How does Tom describe the effects of being raped?
6. Contrast the reactions of Lila and those of her children to the horror of their experience. What motivates her? What dangers lie in
her order that they never speak of this day again?
7. How do Tom’s and Luke’s predictions of their memory of this horror differ?
8. Why does Luke kill Caesar? What praise does he give the tiger before he kills it?
9. Explain Tom’s final observation on their forced pact not to reveal the incident: “It was a private and binding covenant entered into
by a country family remarkable for its stupidity and the protocols of denial it brought to disaster. In silence we would honor our
private shame and make it unspeakable.”
10. How did Savannah break the agreement?
Chapter 23
1. Tom claims that “through sports a coach can offer a boy a secret way to sneak up on the mystery that is manhood.” Defend or
oppose this generalization with an explanation of your opinion.
2. While rebuking Bernard for missing his violin lessons, Herbert Woodruff claims that “the great teachers are always very demanding.”
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
3. What mistakes in parenting are obvious in Herbert Woodruff’s handling of his son’s desire to play football?
4. According to Tom, what will always be his burden? Is knowledge of “lacking genius” debilitating or liberating?
5. Why did Herbert Woodruff invite Tom to the concert and dinner?
6. Why does Tom find the various conversations so distasteful? In what ways does he try to combat them?
7. How and why does the tension between Herbert and Susan explode into an open, heated shouting match?
8. How does Tom force Herbert to apologize to everyone?
9. Embedded in the typical arguing between Lila and Tom are one or two comments by Lila that suggest she is able to talk about the
attack on the island. What does she say?
10. Why has Lila come to New York? If you had the opportunity, what would you tell Tom to do about her request?
11. What is your opinion of their reconciliation at the end of this chapter? Were you surprised that Lila married Reese Newbury? How
do you think it happened?
Chapter 24
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In what ways was college a continuation of some of Tom’s painful experiences?
What was the effect on Tom of not receiving a fraternity bid?
What factors does Luke consider in his decision to enlist in the Navy SEALs?
How were the three siblings living their lives at this point?
Why does Savannah have such misgivings about Luke’s surviving the Vietnam War?
How did Luke keep his parents from worrying about him in Vietnam?
When Tom refers to Savannah’s first poetry reading and Luke’s concluding military career, he observes that “Invisibly, all the nets
were moving in place through the silent channels encircling the shrimper’s family.” Explain his comment.
8. Why did Luke bring Blackstock’s body back to the ship?
9. How does Luke explain to Tom why he was willing to fight?
Chapter 25
1. What traits of Lila Wingo are emphasized by Tom in the opening page of this chapter?
2. What is foreshadowed in Tom’s comment that “It would be my mother’s destiny to know the dust, and not the savor, of answered
prayers”?
3. At the beginning of this episode of their lives, Tom reveals that Luke dies as a result of his mother’s action. Conroy uses this
technique frequently in the novel. Suspense is usually considered the primary interest-builder in a novel; how does Conroy reveal the
endings of episodes but keep the reader interested at the same time?
4. Why did Lila always prefer her granddaughter Jennifer over the other grandchildren? What does this preference reflect about her
character?
5. What purpose does the narration of Amos Wingo’s water-skiing feat serve?
6. Explain Tom’s conclusion that “His death forced me to acknowledge the secret wisdom that issues naturally from the contemplative
life.”
7. In the argument among Tom, Luke, and Savannah that follows their reminiscences of their grandfather, how do Tom and Luke’s
attitude toward their parents differ from Savannah’s? How do you account for this difference?
8. How does Tom view his mother’s decision to divorce his father? Does Tom’s frankness in talking about his father’s physical abuse of
his wife and children result in anything positive for Tom? for Henry?
Chapter 26
1. Why does Tom decide not to testify for either parent during their divorce trial? Why did Savannah decide to testify for her mother?
2. How does Luke interpret the Book of Genesis in terms of the takeover of Colleton by the federal government?
3. How do the government officials deal with Luke’s protest?
4. Why does Tom refuse to join Luke in his “war”?
Chapter 27
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How did Luke try to stop the destruction of the Wingos’ house?
What was Tom’s attitude toward the people of Colleton at the end? of the federal and state government? of America?
What was Henry Wingo’s last failed escapade?
What diction and imagery are used to portray Luke as a Christ figure?
How did Luke grow bolder in his attacks?
How did Tom become convinced to find Luke?
What did Savannah think of Tom’s life as he was living it at this time? Why does she call it “an unexamined life”?
According to Tom, why was he jealous of Luke?
Over what point concerning life and art do Savannah and Tom disagree?
How do Tom and Savannah spend their time while waiting for Luke on Marsh Hen Island?
In what way are Tom’s unfilled journals a metaphor for his life as a man?
How did Luke evaluate his effort to halt the production of nuclear materials and bombs in Colleton? Of what parts was he proud?
What actions did he regret? According to him, why can’t he surrender? What did he wish he could have done?
13. Explain the irony of Luke’s death.
Epilogue
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What has the love between Tom and Lowenstein given both of them?
What is Tom’s opinion of being a teacher?
Why does Tom decide to return to Sallie?
How are some of the tensions between Savannah and Henry and between Henry and Lila eased?
Why does Tom whisper “Lowenstein, Lowenstein” as he drives across the bridge toward home?