How is the idea of religious doubt explored through the character of Gideon Mack
Gideon stops believing in God after meeting the Devil at the Black Jaws
Gideon is sceptical about God from childhood and gradually becomes agnostic
Gideon stops believing in God after the death of his wife Jenny
How is the idea of religious hypocrisy conveyed through Gideon?
He claims to be a Protestant but he is actually a Roman Catholic
He becomes a minister to impress his father
He works as a minister but does not believe in God
How does Gideon’s career in organised religion come to an end?
He is suspended for blasphemy
He resigns
He is fired for misconduct
In what way was Gideon Mack a “chameleon”?
He is good at hiding
He was able to change his appearance to blend in
He was able to adopt different personas
How did Gideon deceive his wife, Jenny?
He has an affair with Elsie
He marries her but does not truly love her
He plans to divorce her
What type of relationship does Gideon have with his father?
They hate each other
There is no father-son bond or affection between them
They are very close and Gideon loves him dearly
How does James Mack’s stroke change his relationship with Gideon?
It strengthens their relationship and brings them closer
James becomes much more strict and dominating
James’s control and influence over Gideon begins to fade
Why is James Mack disappointed in Gideon as he is growing up?
Gideon does not live up to his expectations as a son
Gideon is not religious enough
Gideon caused his stroke
What evidence is there that Gideon may be mentally ill after his accident at the Black Jaws?
He claims to have had an affair with Elsie Moffat
He conducts a non-religious funeral for Catherine Craigie
He claims to have met the Devil
What evidence is there that Gideon might be completely sane?
Elsie Moffat also sees the standing stone in Keldo Woods
The Devil is seen at Catherine Craigie’s funeral
The people who know Gideon best think that he is telling the truth