1. Why do you think Sonny works in a coal mine, even though he is a young boy?

2. What role does the canary play in the mine? Why is it so important?

3. Why do you think Sonny taught the canary to play dead?

4. How do you think the miners felt when they rushed to the surface and discovered Sonny’s trick?

5. What consequences did Sonny face after his prank? Do you think they were fair? Why or why not?

6. What lesson do you think Sonny learned by the end of the story?

7. How does the setting of the coal mine affect the mood of the story?

8. If you were Sonny, what would you have done differently? Why?

9. Why do you think the film is called Canary? How does the title connect to the story?

10. What emotions did you feel while watching Canary? Which part of the story made you feel the strongest emotion?

Canary Comprehension Questions