Stinky Mog: Character Q&A and Story Analysis
Stinky Mog: Key Questions Answered
Why is the main character called Stinky Mog?
He is called Stinky Mog because he always wears dirty clothes and smells bad. This happens because his mother neglects him and doesn’t wash his clothes.
Explain what happened at home in relation to his clothes.
At home, his mother doesn’t take care of his clothes, so he has to wear the same dirty and smelly outfits every day. He also doesn’t have enough money to buy new clothes.
What happened after just a few days at his new school?
After just a few days at his new school, Stinky Mog became a target for bullying. Other students mocked him because of his dirty appearance and bad smell.
Name two of the various gangs you could find at school.
Two of the gangs at school were The Big, The Shorty, and The Lanky and The Bullies.
What is Stinky Mog’s real name?
Stinky Mog’s real name is Matthew.
Explain the myth of the Minotaur.
The Minotaur is a creature from Greek mythology with the body of a man and the head of a bull. It was imprisoned in a labyrinth on the island of Crete, built by Daedalus, and was fed with human sacrifices until the hero Theseus killed it.
What does Ari want for her birthday?
Ari wanted a bicycle for her birthday because she dreamed of having her own bike to ride around.
What is Mum’s real problem?
Stinky Mog’s mother struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Because of this, she is unable to properly take care of her son.
What did he do for Ari’s birthday? Where did he leave it?
Stinky Mog left a small gift for Ari in her locker. Even though he didn’t have much money, he wanted to give her something meaningful.
Why was Ari crying on the bus?
Ari was crying on the bus because her bicycle had been stolen. It was something she really cared about, and losing it made her very upset.
Was Ari a rich girl?
No, Ari was not rich. She also had a difficult life and personal struggles, just like Stinky Mog.
When does the main character call himself “The Minotaur”?
He calls himself “The Minotaur” when he feels like a monster, lost and trapped in a maze, reflecting his inner struggles and how society sees him.
What did Mum say to help the character at the end of the book?
At the end of the book, his mother shows a rare moment of affection and tells him that she loves him and will try to change. This gives Stinky Mog some hope.
Who are The Big, The Shorty, and The Lanky?
They are three boys at school who represent different types of students. They each have their own way of dealing with problems and play a role in how Stinky Mog experiences school life.
Explain in a paragraph how the story ends and what happens to the main character.
The story ends on a slightly hopeful note. Even though Stinky Mog has faced bullying, poverty, and family issues, he begins to see that he is not entirely alone. His mother tries to improve, and he starts to believe that he has the strength to move forward. While his problems don’t disappear, he finds a way to deal with them with more resilience.