1. In a play, often the main conflict is between characters on stage. Analyze how Dark but Full of Diamonds is like a play in this respect. Discuss whether Scott's main conflict is with Hilah and his Dad, or within himself?

2. Discuss how Scott's life and his experiences reflect the symbolic meaning of that line "dark but full of diamonds."

3. At one point Scott describes himself as being like an addict. Discuss his addiction and how his behavior resembles other forms of addiction such as alcoholism or drug addiction.

4. Drama is one of the central metaphors and activities of his novel. Collect and examine references to plays and quotations from plays and analyze what they tell you about the personalities and perspectives of the characters who make them.

5. If you could be Scott's best friend and you wanted to tell him...