Triptych

Michael and Will both encounter dogs that are treated in different ways. Given the novel’s focus on The Long-Term Impact of Trauma, what symbolic role might these animals play in the text?

Compare and contrast Emily with Lydia, focusing on the sacrifices that each woman makes to protect her son. How do the actions of these two mothers reflect different aspects of Corruption in the American Justice System?

What does Slaughter suggest about the relationship between trauma and resilience? Use the backgrounds of Angie, John, and Will as examples to support your interpretation.

Slaughter offers several instances of law enforcement officers who abuse their power for personal gain. How does Michael’s exploitation of his position mirror the actions of his mother, Lydia?

The relationship between Angie and Will is too complex to be understood by others. How has this relationship shaped their personalities? What do Will and Angie offer each other that no one else can?

Will sees his dyslexia as an impediment to his personal and professional success, and he takes extra steps to accommodate the challenges that arise from it. What do these accommodations reveal about Will’s multifaceted nature?

How does Slaughter provide early indications that Michael is not what he seems? Include at least three distinct examples of foreshadowing in your analysis.

Consider the setting of Grady Homes. How does Slaughter use descriptions of physical structures to demonstrate the ramifications of denying resources to marginalized communities?