51 pages • 1 hour read
James KelmanHow Late It Was, How Late
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Why does James Kelman use the first, second, and third person to represent Sammy’s inner thoughts?
Given the fraught political relationship between England and Scotland, what is the significance of Sammy choosing to leave Glasgow for England?
What is the significance of Helen’s absence in the novel?
In what ways is Sammy an unreliable narrator?
How does Kelman depict Sammy’s relationship with Glasgow after he experiences sight loss?
What role does the Glaswegian dialect of the Scots language variety play in How Late It Was, How Late? Why does Kelman render the dialect through his protagonist?
How does Kelman portray a sense of hopefulness in How Late It Was, How Late? Give three examples of hopeful moments and discuss their significance for the protagonist, Sammy.
Choose one of Sammy’s friends or neighbors. What is their role in the novel?
What do Sammy’s interactions with the authorities suggest about the broader social context of Scotland during the 1980s and 1990s?
Are there any decolonial aspects in How Late It Was, How Late? Why or why not?
