About This Book
Thomas Hardy's only children's story, "Our Exploits at West Poley," follows two curious cousins who, while exploring a cave, divert a local stream. This seemingly innocent act triggers a series of escalating problems for both their own village, West Poley, and the neighboring East Poley, as the river's flow dictates their livelihoods. The boys, along with a miller's apprentice, attempt to fix their mistakes, leading to suspenseful moments of peril and a profound lesson about the far-reaching consequences of one's actions. Set in the Victorian era, the story also subtly touches on social dynamics and the importance of fairness. It's an excellent choice for sparking discussions about responsibility and problem-solving.
While exploring a cave, two boys divert the course of a stream and set off a strange chain of events.
peril_danger
Violence
Discussion Prompts
1
What were the initial intentions of the boys when they diverted the stream? How did their actions lead to unexpected problems?
2
Do you think the children were right to try and fix the river's path themselves, or should they have told an adult sooner?
3
How did the river's diversion affect the people in West Poley and East Poley differently? Was it fair?
4
What does this story teach us about taking responsibility for our actions, even when we don't mean to cause harm?
5
The apprentice makes the miller promise not to beat him again. What does this tell us about fairness and standing up for yourself?
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