Discuss the half-skinned steer. What is a steer? Why was it only half-skinned? What might explain how it got up and walked? What can explain the impact it had on the man who owned it? What was the man's condition? Why did he have a metal plate in his head? How might this condition have affected the events in the man's story? Why does Mero believe he sees a half-skinned steer the night he becomes stranded on the road? What does the half-skinned steer symbolize?

Discuss Diamond Felts. Why does he become a bull rider? What is the thrill he talks about feeling when he rides a bull? Why does his mother become enraged when he tells her his plan to ride bulls? Why does the mother take Diamond to meet the brain damaged roper? Is this gesture made of love or selfishness? What...