Essay Questions

Why is Prescott so unwavering in building a boys’ boarding school?

While growing up, Prescott was educated at a boys' boarding school established by Horace. Horace was a religious fanatic who instilled discipline in his boys and inspired them to follow his steps. Prescott and Horace became good friends, and he promised to follow his steps of establishing his boys’ boarding school in the future. Therefore, Prescott grew up knowing that he had a mission to accomplish. Consequently, nothing stopped Prescott from achieving his dream because of his determination and interest in empowering boys.

How best can you describe the relationship between Prescott and his daughter, Cordelia?

Prescott is a strict father who believes in his ideologies. Since childhood, Prescott has dreamt of starting a boys' boarding school. Prescott only has female children, and the most rebellious is Cordelia. Cordelia and her father have a strained relationship. Cordelia is a bold girl who demands explanations from her father whenever she thinks things are not going well. For instance, Cordelia is pissed off by her father's decision to start a boys' boarding school instead of developing a program to empower his daughters and other girls. According to Cordelia, her father favors men over women. Cordelia believes her father is gay because he loves men more than women.

Why is the school board forcing Prescott to retire as headmaster?

Prescott strongly attaches to an Episcopalian school he constructed using his resources. Since the construction of the school, Prescott has been its head teacher. However, Prescott is becoming more inefficient because of his advancing age. Prescott is 82, and his movement and thinking are declining every day. However, Prescott wants to hold onto his position because he believes no one can lead the school with the highest level of integrity. Since the board can remove the school head, Prescott is forced to retire, and a younger and more energetic man, David, takes up his position. The board has the school's interest at heart and is dedicated to helping Prescott achieve his vision, but he must retire.