Imagery:
In the fight scene at military school the reader feels like a participant. Cite literary devices the author uses to achieve this reality. Consider: color and sound imagery. What color is mentioned most? What color did you picture most? What sounds dominate as the cadets pummel Wardy?
The author uses metaphors and similes throughout the fight scene. Find some. Why are these effective? Where else in the novel can you find similes and metaphors?
Character:
Wardy, the protagonist, is a multi-dimensional character. How does the author acquaint the reader with the many sides of Wardy? Cite some examples that show Wardy’s different sides.
There are several minor characters. Choose one or two and explain how the author brings them to life as they interact with Wardy. Who is your favorite minor character? Why?
Mr. Guterman and Dr. Lowry are both scientists. How are they alike? How do they differ? What does Wardy learn about people, as well as science, from these two characters?
Many of the minor characters in the novel are dynamic—that is—they change. Choose two minor characters and explain how they change and how the changes affect Wardy. How did you feel about these changing characters as you read?
Big Vi is a laser, but the reader may come to view “her” as a character. Why?
Plot:
Plot involves conflict. What would you say is the main conflict in Eaglebait? Name two or three other conflicts that involve the main character (subplots).
Theme:
Theme is the message the author has for her readers. Many novels have more than one theme. What do you consider the main theme to be in Eaglebait? Did you find other themes? Why would the author write about such themes in a book for young adult readers?
Style:
The author uses third-person, limited point-of-view. The reader sees the thoughts through only Wardy’s eyes as told by an outside narrator. How, then, does the author let the reader into Wardy’s mind? Is this an effective device? Why or why not?
The novel has an open-end. What would you predict for Wardy’s future in regard to his relationship with Meg? His relationship with Mr. Guterman? His relationship(s) with family? His interest in science?
The author keeps up the pace of the novel by weaving together plot and subplots. Can you find an example of this? How does this make the reader want to keep turning pages?
Setting:
The setting of Eaglebait is a typical American high school. Do time or place of setting affect the theme? Why or why not?