Tex

How does Mason’s character contrast with Tex’s? How are the brothers different? How are they alike, if at all?

Why does Tex idolize Pop? What motivates Tex to act like him?

Describe Jamie’s character. Is she a person who stays? Or a person who goes?

Why does Cole Collins have such animosity toward the McCormick brothers? Are his opinions justified? Why or why not?

The book is filled with similes and comparisons of humans to animals. Why does the author use these devices? What effect does it have on the reader’s understanding of Tex as a narrator?

Compare and contrast Tex’s reckless behavior: jumping the creek in the motorcycle; swerving the truck when the hitchhiker kidnaps the brothers; grabbing the gun during the drug deal gone wrong. How are these similar? How are they different? Are his motivations the same in each incident?

How has Pop’s character evolved by the end of the book? When Pop tells Tex the truth about his parentage, is he sympathetic? What are Tex’s feelings for Pop by the end?

How is the city different from Garyville? How does Tex see himself in each place?