Discuss the novel's central thematic premise. Is life a series of fights? What other kinds of fights are there besides physical? Can good moral character only be developed by fighting with integrity? How is such integrity defined? Where is the line between good fighting and bad fighting?

Tom Brown is clearly intended to act an as inspirational example or role model for young men at the time in which the novel was written and published. What aspects of his character and journey can be applied to students, male and/or female, in contemporary society?

Discuss the conclusion arrived at in the novel's final chapter. What are the specific aspects of human relationships that can be described as being manifestations of God, and not necessarily just the Christian God. What spiritual truths in other religions might be made manifest in positive human relationships?

What would have...