Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- How does Tom represent the American Dream? Does he or other characters complicate it or evolve it at all?
- In what ways is life different in the novel than it is now?
- Is Tom a totally outdated type of dude? Does he have any qualities that transcend time?
- How does Tom impact other people? What is it about him that makes him so effectual?
- Could you make the case for Polly Ann being the true hero of the story?
- Does Tom's discovery of the money undermine the novel's message about the importance of hard work? Is it through pure luck rather than hard work that Tom gets rich?
- How does the area where Tom lives impact the characters, themes, and plot? Would the story be significantly different if it took place somewhere else?