67 pages • 2 hours read
Emily RathPucking Around
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Rachel frequently contemplates the different benefits that each of her relationships offers her. While the novel presents polyamory positively, is it critical of monogamy? Use evidence from the text to support your opinion.
Romance novels include scenes with detailed depictions of sex in order to articulate the progression of romantic relationships as characters grow close in more ways than one. In this context, how does Rath use scenes of physical intimacy as a catalyst that inspires increased emotional intimacy?
Romance novels also use sexually explicit scenes to celebrate the characters’ decision to become closer in a romantic sense. How do these sexually explicit scenes develop or echo the trajectory of the greater polycule relationship? Use examples from the text to prove your point.
Within the world of the novel, what interpersonal elements are most essential to the creation of a family? Use evidence from the text to support your claim.
Is the novel supportive or critical of professional sports? Consider the novel’s consideration of team camaraderie, medical care in professional sports, toxic masculinity, and anti-gay bias when crafting your response.
In Chapter 8, Caleb says, “Hockey is my life. It’s always been my life” (49). Analyze how this statement would or would not apply to each of the main characters at the beginning and end of the novel.
The novel’s characters engage in several ethical lapses (e.g., Rachel serving as a doctor for a romantic partner, or the men’s decision to steal Rachel’s phone) Does the novel frame these as mistakes or permissible choices?
Track one of the main characters’ shifting view of their own sexuality and how this contributes to their development as a character.
Analyze a case in which geography or travel provides information about a character. How does setting (or movement between settings) help to create a broader understanding of that character?
Argue how a different culture or subculture (Finnish culture, American culture, hockey culture, the subculture within the Rays team) affects the characters in the novel. In your argument, address one character who is “inside” that culture, and one who is “outside” to argue how they are affected differently.
