The Snow Spider - Session 1 - Reading Comprehension answers

The opening session of 'The Snow Spider' reading comprehension delves into the character of Gwyn, a nine-year-old boy who receives five peculiar gifts: a piece of seaweed, a yellow scarf, a tin whistle, a twisted metal brooch, and a broken horse. The 'ache of emptiness' phrase poignantly captures the family's sorrow following the disappearance of Gwyn's sister, Bethan. Gwyn's father, engrossed in farm work and haunted by the memory of Bethan vanishing on Gwyn's birthday, refrains from celebrating or giving gifts, leaving these gestures to Gwyn's mother.

Nain's comment about it being 'about time' for Gwyn's birthday tea highlights the long-standing gloom overshadowing the family since Bethan's absence. The atmosphere turns tense and somber with the father's entrance, who harbors a misguided blame towards Gwyn for Bethan's disappearance. This tragedy traces back to Gwyn's fifth birthday when he asked Bethan to find his lost black sheep amidst a storm, leading to both Bethan and the sheep going missing. The session provides a stark glimpse into a family struggling with loss and the complexities of moving forward.