The Deep End

How does Greg’s imagination help him handle the challenges of daily life and growing up? Make references to specific examples from the text.

How does the novel use Christianity as a way to explore Greg’s childlike perception of the world?

Consider your opinion of Greg’s mother. How does the novel reveal her as a character who lives both inside and outside Greg’s perspective?

Compare and contrast how each member of the family handles disappointment.

Compare The Deep End to other books in the series to explore whether Greg’s family is normally so beset by disaster. What do you think this choice adds to the meaning?

How does Greg react to fear? What would be a more mature way to handle difficult or dangerous situations like the ones Greg finds himself in? Use examples from the book.

How would you describe Greg’s visual artistic style? What do the illustrations add to the story and to the reader’s understanding of Greg himself?

Drawing on evidence from the book and the wider series, what do you predict Greg’s future to be like?