Nick Hornby initially refuses to go to a football game with his father, but once he does it becomes a routine. How does football help or hinder Nick's relationship with his father? Does his father seem to take Nick to games out of obligation or out of love for his son? Why or why not? Does going to the games help Nick become a man? Why or why not? Cite examples.

How does Nick's obsession with football affect the other members of his family, his sister and mother? How does going to football games allow him to play a patriarchal role? Does his obsession affect his romantic relationships? Why or why not?

Nick Hornby says the natural state of the football fan is "bitter disappointment." How is this evidenced by his feelings throughout the novel? Why is football so emotionally upsetting, and why do...