You know those feel-good stories about likeable characters overcoming impossible obstacles to achieve their dreams? The Assistant isn't one of those stories. Make no mistake, the people we meet in the novel have dreams, hopes, and plans—and they're desperate to achieve them. They dream in desperation, and with disappointment, because they have not accomplished what they set out to do. They're hanging on by a thread, just to live, let alone live their dreams. Some are old, with little time remaining. Others are young, with big plans but little hope. The novel is about all of them.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- What does it mean that Morris still concedes his daughter a future?
- Why do you think Frank's plans for his life are so vague?
- Would Frank's life be improved if time meant more to him?
- How does Frank affect the plans of the Bober family?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Frank Alpine will likely remain at the Bober store indefinitely.
Frank Alpine will likely leave the Bober store when something more promising presents itself.