Carpentaria
by Alexis Wright
About_
This study guide explores the first half of Alexis Wright’s novel Carpentaria, following the Phantom family of
Desperance as ancestral spirits, colonial legacies, and the arrival of a mysterious stranger named Elias set off a
chain of tragedy and transformation. Students examine themes of Indigenous identity, environmental exploitation
by mining companies, and the tension between traditional Law and modern life. Each chapter section includes
factual comprehension questions with an answer key, critical thinking prompts, a vocabulary crossword, and a
character study of the novel’s central figure, Norm Phantom. This study guide contains 65 questions across 5
chapter sections (50 Factual + 15 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 5 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (50 total), 5 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (15 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 11-12, Introductory College
Teacher Note_
Carpentaria’s dense, mythic prose and unflinching subject matter make it a rewarding but demanding text — this
guide is designed to give students sturdy footholds for tracking plot and character while still leaving room for the
deeper questions the novel raises. Use the factual questions to check comprehension quickly, then let the critical
prompts open up real classroom discussion. We hope this saves you planning time and helps your students find
their way into Wright’s remarkable storytelling