What is the significance of the candle in the Queen is Dead story? How does the mood of the scene change when the characters light the candle?

Examine the language in the novel. How does Selby try to recreate the language of the Brooklyn streets? What difference does it make to the story that he uses the language and rhythms of local dialect?

How does lack of love effect Tralala's life? How does she react when people try to get close to her and why does she react in that way?

Why do so many characters find themselves in loveless marriages? How does these relationship affect their lives? How will their relationship affect their children's lives?

What was it like to live in a Brooklyn housing project in the 1950s? Why do you think the characters find themselves in such a depressing situation? How...