Leonard wrote a number of western novels and stories in addition to Hombre, and comparative discussions of two or more of his works would be useful as a broader introduction to a singularly American literary form.

Since Hombre and others have been made into films, comparison of the books with their film versions could lead to interesting discussions of how the genres differ.

1. Describe the narrative point of view. How would the novel differ if the omniscient author, rather than Carl Everett Allen, had been the narrator?

2. What factors in his life have made John Russell into a loner? Does his being a loner diminish him?

3. In what specific ways is the stagecoach trip a landmark experience for Russell? Does it change him at all?

4. Much of the book deals with the interaction among passengers on the stage trip. What is the function of this interaction...