1. At the end of Chapter 4, Hamper reveals his place in the present time and lets the reader know that the events took place some nine years before he wrote about them. What effect does this have on the reader's perception of the book?

2. What stories does Hamper tell about Dan-O? What do these stories add to the reader's impression of the factory?

3. How does Hamper describe the Cab Shop the first time he goes there? What about the description is the most informative about the scene?

4. To what does Hamper attribute his success at the beginning of high school? How does this fit into his plans for his life?

5. How did Hamper justify his drinking at work? What was his opinion about the people who disapproved of factory workers drinking at work, and is this opinion fair?

6. What religious background did Hamper have during his childhood? How did religion shape his move into adulthood?

7. How is Hamper's portrayal of his mother pathetic at times? Is it a fair character description?

8. When did the GM assembly line begin to look like an attractive option to Hamper? How did this demonstrate a change in Hamper's thinking?

9. How did Hamper begin to construct his life after high school? How was he alone and yet not alone during this time?

10. How was Hamper's father an anomaly among fathers? Even at a young age, what was Hamper's opinion of him? How might this affect his own development in the future?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Layin' back is a fine reward when you're employed. However, layin' back tends to wear thin when it itself becomes your job. Gettin' loaded, readin' magazines, staring at the television becomes a rut rather than any form of relaxation" (pg 83). How is this true? What part did unemployment play in Hamper's life? How did it change his opinion about working?