Worksheet - Cabernet Sauvignon with my Brother

• What is the function of the first two paragraphs?

• Vernacular means belonging/peculiar to a particular place. Is this story vernacular and if so how is it made so?

• How does Tony describe Raf's farm?

• Why did Raf give up lecturing on Economics at Lincoln?

• What are the two most important things to Raf, the storyteller Tony's brother?

• How would you describe Raf's method of farming?

• Raf has trouble with machinery. Give three examples.

• Why does Raf tolerate the fridge.

• Why doesn't Raf ask about their parents?

• An aphorism is a pithy expression of a 'truth'. What is the aphorism that governs Raf's life?

• What does Raf think is wrong with the education system?

• Why is Raf a stranger to envy?

• What does Raf presume is the problem with studying law?

• What is wrong with the female of the species according to Raf?

• There are several women referred to in the story. How do the brothers relate to women?

• Why does Raf take to the pump motor with a crowbar.

• Why is McLay there? What is his function in the story?

• Does the mood of the story change when Raf 'loses it'?

• Is this a climactic or a pivotal point in the story?

• Does Tony's mood or tone alter at this point? If so how?

• Why do McLay's eyes switch,"Furtively back and forth from Raf to me"?

• "The crow bar made a solid crump, crump, crump sound of impact". What is the term for this sound device?

• What is the effect on the reader/listener?

• "Never underestimate the perversity of objects." Perversity might mean?

• Why does Tony say "There was no apparent irony in his voice,W" when Raf comments that McLay seemed an odd chap?

• Why does Raf come close to depression?

• What clues are there as to the vintage of this story?

• Why doesn't Raf take Tony back to Christchurch?

• Why does Raf keep the last of the wine for himself?

• What is the value of privacy according to Raf?

• What might 'maudlin' mean?

• How does Tony impress the dentist and his daughter?

• How might you paraphrase the final aphorism? "Incantations are rarely effective beyond the frontiers of their own kingdom."

• What feelings/ideas does this story provoke?

• Does it examine issues that are relevant in New Zealand?