We Begin at the End

When the doomed Star tells Duchess, “Selfless acts […]. [t]hey’re what make you a good person” (42), she defines one of the novel’s themes. Taking Vincent, Hal, or Darke and using this definition, argue who, if any, is a truly good person and why.

The novel shifts between the perspectives of Walk and Duchess. How does this narrative structure impact the reader’s role? Take the scene involving Star’s shooting and analyze what is gained or lost by this split perspective.

In many ways, Hal can be seen as the novel’s tragic hero. Research the definition of a tragic hero. Take us through scene-by-scene Hal’s movement toward redemption after he brings Duchess and Robin to his ranch and how that redemption, typical of tragic heroes, costs him his life.