The Perfect Shot

The second epigraph reads, “The time is out of joint; O cursed spite, / That ever I was born to set it right!”, a quote from Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act I, Scene 5. What is the significance of this quote to the story? Why do you think the author chose it, and how is it similar to or different from the first epigraph?

Explain the role of fathers and father figures in The Perfect Shot. How does Brian’s concept of role models change due to his relationship with these various men? Give specific examples from the text to explain your answer. Why is the presence of father figures relevant to his coming-of-age journey?

What is the significance of the title The Perfect Shot? Give specific support from the text to explain your answer.

Can you think of another historical event not mentioned in the novel that is part of a repeating pattern? Describe the repeating elements and whether or not people have attempted to disrupt them.

In the novel, Todd often engages in black-and-white thinking, while Brian ventures into “gray areas.” What are the pros and cons of each perspective? Explain your answer with examples from the text.

In The Perfect Shot, Julius has a nickname for nearly everyone. How do the nicknames affect the reader’s understanding of the characters? How does this practice characterize Julius?

Which characters are the most dynamic in The Perfect Shot? Which are static? Explain your ideas with support from the text.

Although Brian, as the narrator, is portrayed as the clear protagonist of The Perfect Shot, who—or what—is the antagonist? Explain your answer using support from the text.