Wink

What effect does the absence of Ross’s mother have on the narrative? What role does Linda play in the story and Ross’s life?

Visual art is a creative outlet that gives Ross a way to work through his feelings. The memes of Ross are also a creative outlet, but for what? What are they supposed to accomplish? Support the answer with evidence from the scenes involving Sarah and Ross.

There are few hints about Jimmy’s background. Identify four crucial hints about Jimmy and explain what the hints indicate about his character (i.e., what motivates him, what inspires him, and why he behaves in certain ways).

Although Isaac is absent from the majority of the action, his narrative role is important in illustrating that Connection and Communication Are Essential to Survival. What does Isaac contribute to this theme? What is one lesson readers can learn from Isaac’s reconciliation with Ross?

Ross immediately loves the music Frank plays for him, but he discovers a particular affinity for punk music when he hears the Ramones. Listen to the Ramones song Ross and his friends decide to play at the talent show. After listening, describe the song, its tone, its tempo, and its overall effect. Next, explain why the song fits Ross’s character at the climax of the novel and offer textual evidence to support this explanation.

Abby is obsessed with monster movies, especially the classics. What does this interest indicate about her personality and her social status? Which monster movie in particular is emblematic of Abby? Support answers with examples from the text.

Jerry Thompson has few scenes in the story, but he has a profound effect on Ross’s development. How do Jerry’s interactions with Ross culminate in Jerry’s attendance at the talent show? How and why does this catalyze Ross’s epiphany?

Ross draws pictures to illustrate peculiar ideas, such as his deep-fried eyeball and “Dr. Popsicle,” but he also uses metaphors to create pictures in readers’ minds. Identify three of Ross’s illustrative metaphors and describe their contexts. What are the intended effects of the metaphors—to evoke an emotion in the reader or to convey an emotion Ross is feeling? Provide detailed explanations.