There is a lot of religious imagery in the novel, much of it centering around John Cotton. In what ways can John Cotton be viewed as a messianic figure, akin to Jesus Christ? In what ways does he differ?

The myth of the cowboy and the Old West is prevalent throughout the book. How does the camp perpetuate this myth? Do you think the boys that conform to camp rules or the Bedwetters better personify the cowboys of legend?

The boys come to see the buffalo as kindred spirits. How are the situations of the boys and the buffalo similar? Why do the boys identify so strongly with the animals?

The stories and personalities of the boys are gradually revealed through flashback throughout the novel. How does this affect the unfolding of the story? Would knowing some of the boys' more unsavory traits earlier...