Class distinction is apparent in Naylor's novel in the contrast between Marty's four-room home and his friend David Howard's two-story house (fourstory if he counts the attic and basement) in Friendly. When Marty tells his mother that David's house has a room for books and a computer, a sun room for plants, and a room for company, she says that's three rooms too many.

That was the only time Marty ever heard envy in his mother's voice.

Christianity is a dominant part of Marty's life. When the lies get too heavy for him and he realizes he will go to hell for them, he remembers that his grandmother told him that animals do not go to heaven. If Shiloh cannot get into heaven, Marty figures he would run away from heaven himself.

He prays on several occasions, asking God's guidance and understanding for his dishonesty. He...