Joe Coughlin believes that the law-abiding establishment is just as corrupt as the world of gangsters, but criminals are not hypocritical about it. Based on evidence in this novel, do you think the author agrees with his protagonist's position? Cite clues from the story to support your argument.

Joe says he believes in God and in greed. What does this tell you about him? At heart, is he a good or bad man, clear-eyed or confused, straightforward or devious?

Loretta Figgis and Joe come to hold the same opinion that if heaven exists, it is only here on Earth, and this life is full of depravity. In the context of the story and of what happens to these two characters, what does this conclusion they have in common tell us about the nature of evil?

Joe likes to think of himself as an outlaw...