1. "Kill Your Parents and Become the Victim. What a wonderful country," thinks Eric Poole. What does he mean? Does this actually happen in the United States? What are some examples that support or contradict Eric Poole's view? How do these examples affect your perception of whether or not the characterization of Eric Poole is realistic?

2. What is a psychopath? What qualities does Eric Poole possess that would make him a psychopath, as Lieutenant Proctor asserts?

3. Serial killers are dreadful people who have committed appalling crimes. If you feel capable of dealing with the emotions raised by such a frightful topic, research a serial killer and compare him or her to Eric Poole. How are they similar? Has Cormier done his homework and created an accurate portrayal of a serial murderer?

4. "Yet what I think I want most of all is...