Boy’s Life by Robert R McCammon A. Level 1 Questions (for the early chapters of the novel):
1.What is the time and place of the novel? As support for your answer, give threepieces of evidence.
2.From the first part of the novel, choose three principal characters. Write brief biographies for each one, highlighting physical characteristics, their personalities,and their histories. Lastly, give your impressions of them.
3.Choose three minor characters and conduct the same analysis for them as forthose in question #2. Explain how these minor characters are vital to the plot andthemes of the novel.
4.Describe the nature of the relationship between two characters. Include theirhistory together and details of their relationship. Explain the significance of theirrelationship to the narrative.
5.Describe one important event in the first part of the novel and explain why it issignificant to the narrative (to the plot, the characters, the ideas of the novel).
6.Select and explain two particular and anomalous aspects of the culture describedin the novel. Also explain how they have changed since the time of the novel; youmay need to do some research.
7.Select and explain one remark from one character which you found especiallypercipient.
8.Choose one event in the novel which could be described as unrealistic. Can it benarratively justified on another level?B. Level 2 Questions (for the middle section of the novel):
1.What is the overall mood of this section of the novel? Give specific examples ofhow the author creates that mood.
2.In these pages, compare and contrast two characters psychologically (the waythey think and make decisions). To do this, consider their behavior andpersonality. Consider whether their physical selves support or contrast with their psychological selves.
3.Cite and support by example(s) a significant conflict between two characters(external) or between a character and his conscience (internal).
4.Who is the narrator of the story? Is he implicated in the narrative? Explain. Whatis his relationship to the story? When you reflect on this question, recall theelement of ‘fictography’ in the novel.
5.Is the novel written in the first or third person? Is it omniscient or limited? Howdoes that affect the story? How would the narrative change if the perspective changed?
6.What is your reaction to a relationship, event, socio-cultural behavior, or theme ofthe novel? Be clear about what you are reacting to and exactly what makes yourespond as you do.
7.Choose a sentence or phrase that attracts you. Explain why you chose it, itsvalue in the novel and its value to you.C. Level 3 Questions (for the final chapters of the novel):
1.If there is any special language used (dialects, foreign words, slang, etc.) giveexamples and explain its use and purpose. What is its effect?
2.Does te author use humor, irony, symbolism, or metaphors? Give at least twoexamples and explain the effect.
3.What is the peak event, or the climax, of the novel? What major conflicts lead upto it and what is the resolution afterward?
4.What is the theme or themes in the novel? How does the author show this idea?Give evidence. Comment on how this theme fits in the novel and how it applies tolife outside the narrative. What does this theme mean to you?
5.What did you learn from this novel? In answering this, you may comment on anyaspect of the novel, including how it is written.
