Early Autumn: A Spenser Novel Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

Early Autumn: A Spenser Novel Topics for Discussion

Who is Spenser? How does his occupation prompt his involvement with Paul Giacomin?

What is it that Spenser asks Paul when they are first alone in the car together? What is Paul's response? What does Paul expect Spenser to do with him?

Describe Paul's situation. What does Spenser initially plan to do about Paul's situation? What does he come to do about it? Why?

What is the significance of the title, "Early Autumn?" What does the cabin come to symbolize for Paul and Spenser? List three additional symbols used in this story.

Who is Shelley? Susan? Mel? Elaine? Patty? Henry Cimoli? What are their relationships to Spenser?

Spenser tells Paul that if he wants to escape his parents, he'll have to become autonomous. When Paul asks what that means, Spenser says it's independent or self-reliance. How does Spenser react when he realizes that Paul is becoming dependent on...
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