1. At the end of Chapter 2, an Arab man comes into the bait store. What do the patrons believe they see, in terms of his appearance as well as when he swears?

2. What is the Wheel of Abuse, and where did Rachel receive it?

3. Explain Travis' control over Catch, in terms of what areas he can and cannot control.

4. How did Gian Hen Gian come to be trapped in a bottle?

5. What are the three theories Howard is trying to prove in his life?

6. Describe the health and body of Mavis.

7. Several reasons are given that the older individuals in the bait store believe something supernatural has occurred. What are some of those reasons?

8. What leads Detective Sergeant Alphonso Rivera to watch the tape of Robert's drunk driving arrest, and what does he see on the tape?

9. Explain The Breeze's trip through the tunnel of eternity.

10. Pine Cove has a long history, as described in Chapter 2. Explain the history of the town, including the name changes.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Abuse also plays a powerful role in the novel. Rachel is physically abused by her first husband, and mentally abuses other people herself for her own gain. Robert, while in a milder form, appears to abuse himself throughout the novel as an alcoholic. Catch abuses Travis, and Travis equally abuses Catch. Choose one of these characters, and give, in detail, how abuse has affected his or her life. Do their actions seem to stem from a history of abuse? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

During the novel, Jennifer has sexual relations with Travis, even though she is still married. Do you think this behavior is justified based on Robert's actions? Why or why not? Should Jennifer feel guilt, since she is, as she points out, "technically" married? Why? Considering she and Robert go home together at the end of the novel, do you think Jennifer should tell her husband of her affair? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Good against evil is a theme throughout the book. Choose any two of the characters below and explain why they are good or evil, or a mixture of both. Be sure to explain your answer using examples from the novel. What shows they are good or bad? Do you believe they can change? Why or why not?

1. Catch

2. Travis

3. Gian

4. Augustus

(see the answer keys)

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