1. In Chapter 6 we are introduced to Spenser's girlfriend, Susan Silverman. What type of a person does she seem to be, and how does that contrast or compliment Spenser's personality?

2. By the beginning of Chapter 6, some time has passed since Spenser's case with the Giacomins; but, he really cannot stop thinking about the whole situation. It bothers him at a basketball game during a date with his girlfriend, Susan. What does this extended concern that Spenser shows for Paul and the discontent that Spenser feel for Patty and Mel show about Spenser's character?

3. In Chapter 9, Spenser makes an impromptu dinner for himself and Paul. At the dinner table, Paul seems surprised that Spenser can cook. The discussion that follows allows the reader to learn more about Paul and his relationship with the world around him. What did you learn about Paul and how he relates to the world around him?

4. What does Spenser's rescue plan for Patty and Paul along with its execution show us about yet another part of Spenser's personality?

5. What type of person does Paul Giacomin appear to be?

6. What type of person does the narrator seem to be?

7. In Chapter 8, Patty makes breakfast for herself and Spenser after Spenser drops Paul off at school. During breakfast the two of them get into a somewhat heated discussion about the roles of men and women in life, as well as their places in society. What are Patty's views on the topic as shown by that discussion?

8. Based on what we read in Chapter 2, what types of personal qualities would be necessary to handle Spenser's job? Why?

9. What type of person does Patty Giacomin seem to be?

10. In Chapter 10, Patty propositions Spenser, who politely rejects her advances. The two have a fairly lengthy discussion about the event, during which we learn more about Patty's feelings of self worth. What are those feelings?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the book progresses, we learn that Spenser has a very sensitive and thoughtful side. He has some very deep thoughts on life and the way that it should be lived, including personal boundaries and living with yourself if you have to cross those boundaries. Use the text to explore those thoughts in greater detail.

Part 1) Why do you think that Spenser has those ideas?

Part 2) Why do you think that Spenser feels that it is important for Paul to understand such ideals?

Part 3) Do you agree with his ideals? Why? Why not?

Essay Topic 2

Mel and Patty have a complex relationship. They used to be in love, hence their marriage and Paul's birth. Somewhere along the way, that marriage disintegrated, leading to their separation and eventual divorce. Now their only purpose is to hurt each other in any way that they can, specifically to use Paul as the object to do that with.

Part 1) Explore the motivation that the two have to hurt each other the way that they do; why do you think that they do it?

Part 2) What effect has that relationship between his parents had on Paul?

Use specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Spenser and Susan's relationship is very different from Mel and Patty's.

Part 1) Explore the relationship between Susan and Spenser in a more in-depth way; how do they treat each other (i.e., Spenser uses manners when speaking to Susan; Susan is always truthful to Spenser, even when it is not something that he necessarily wants to hear);

Part 2) How does the relationship between Spenser and Susan affect Paul?

Use specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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