The Tiger Rising

There are many references to art and creative expression in the novel. How does art play a role in Sistine’s life? In Rob’s? In that of Rob’s parents? Why is art important to each of these characters?

Why do Sistine and Rob become friends? Give examples of how they are similar and how they are different. Describe how their friendship helps each of them emotionally.

Rob tells Sistine that his rash is not contagious, saying, “It’s just me” (24). What is Rob’s rash? What things aggravate it? What calms it down? What does the rash symbolize?

During the story, Rob has two dreams: One is about Sistine riding the tiger into the woods. The other is about Cricket, flying out of the tiger’s grave. What do you think the dreams mean? Why are these dreams important to Rob?

What is the significance of the novel’s title, The Tiger Rising? What things “rise up” over the course of the novel? How is Rob like the tiger?

Is the tiger’s death necessary? Why, or why not? What does the tiger represent in the novel?

Think about how Rob and Sistine approach problems. How do they differ? Is one of their approaches better than the other? Why, or why not? Discuss.

Rob’s father has a different view of manhood than Beauchamp. How does each man express his masculinity? What do the differences reveal about each man?