Neighbors lends itself easily to comparisons with Kafka and probably will stimulate discussion about the changing tone of American life. An interesting question is whether Earl Keese imagines many of the things that Harry and Ramona do.

Another interesting issue is whether, assuming the reality of the insults he perceives, Keese has provoked hostility by his attempt to separate himself from society in a secluded suburban home.

1. What is our view of Earl Keese as a person, apart from his relationship with Harry and Ramona?

2. What major acts of bad manners do Harry and Ramona commit? Since the concept of manners tends to shift with social values, what defines good manners in our time?

3. Why does Earl's wife fail to observe and react to the bad manners of Harry and Ramona?

4. How does the use of the Greavys reinforce the main theme of the destructiveness of...