87 pages • 2 hours read
Chris CrutcherA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Discuss the role of setting in the novel. What elements of culture in the Northwest of the United States shape T.J.’s character and his experiences? What are the dominant cultural characteristics of the town and Cutter High? How does the author establish the setting in the initial chapters of the novel?
What is T.J.’s motivation for recruiting the members of the Mermen? Are his motives noble ones, or are they selfish ones, as Andy states?
The events of T.J.’s senior year have a substantial impact on his character. Compare and contrast who T.J. is before and after the events of the narrative. What events or forces have the biggest impact on his character?
Discuss the author’s representation of race and racial identity in the novel. How do the central characters in the novel think about race and racial identity, and what impact do these attitudes have on their decision making and interactions with others?
Review the sections of the novel that focus on whales and whale talk. What is the significance of whales in the narrative, and what does John Paul mean when he states, “‘Whale talk is the truth, and in a very short period of time, if you’re a whale, you know exactly what it is to be you’” (178) during his conversation with T.J. in the aftermath of his episode of depression?
Many kinds of families appear in the novel, including adoptive families, foster families, blended families, traditional families, and families headed by single parents or relatives of children. What is the author’s attitude about the idea of family? Based on the events of the novel, does the author see one form of family as better than the others? Support your answers with references from the novel.
Most of the characters in the novel are forced to confront violence, bullying, and abuse. Discuss the causes of violence, bullying, and abuse as they are represented in the novel. How effectively do characters and institutions respond to or prevent violence?
Each of the characters on the Mermen brings something special to the team. What role does each person on the Mermen have on the team? How does belonging to the team transform the characters?
T.J. believes that there is too much emphasis on athletics at his school and in his town, while Coach Benson believes sports provide opportunities for athletes and enhance the value of living in the town. With which position do you agree? Explain your choice, using evidence from the book as support.
T.J.’s attempt to save the baby deer from Rich has an influence both on how he thinks of his responsibility to others and his attitude toward Rich. Discuss what he learns from the encounter and how it colors his decisions leading up to Rich’s attempt to kill Heidi at Hoopfest.
By Chris Crutcher