Is there anyone in Here Be Monsters! who doesn't have a mysterious or significant past?! Let's run down the roster, starting with Grandfather, who has never told Arthur exactly why they must live underground. Arthur himself was abandoned as a child, while Snatcher had a tragic fall from family wealth (well, it would have been tragic if he weren't such a jerk about it). And, of course, there's the mysterious man in the iron socks, who turns out to be Grandfather's childhood buddy Herbert. And this is just to name a few.
In a broader sense, understanding past events in Ratbridge helps us grasp why the present-day is the way it is. The fall of the Cheese Guild is still affecting current-day events, so pay close attention to all the way-back-when tidbits when you come across them in this book.
Questions About Memory and the Past
- Why do you think Grandfather keeps his past a secret from Arthur?
- How would you characterize Willbury's past as a lawyer?
- Do you think Herbert will continue to regain his memories? Why or why not?
- How does understanding Snatcher's past help you understand his motivation as a character?