Dead End In Norvelt

How does Gantos use the conventions of the murder mystery genre to build suspense and narrative tension? Consider any misleading clues or red herrings in the text.

Discuss the meaning of the title and its relation to the novel. What makes Norvelt a “dead end”? How does the “dead end” relate to the themes of Confronting Death and Violence and The Force of Community?

Analyze the book as a feminist novel. How do Mom, Miss Volker, and Bunny embody the ideals of feminism? How do Miss Volker’s histories and obituaries highlight women’s contributions? Why are the obituaries only about women?

Examine Dad’s character, particularly his relationship to dominant masculinity. How does he adhere to traditional societal expectations of men, particularly regarding war and violence? How does he challenge these expectations and provide positive guidance for Jack?

Analyze the humor in the book. Gantos published the novel in 2011, but it takes place in 1962. How have societal norms changed, and how might contemporary sensitivities about language change the characters’ dialogue and jokes?

Gantos has published several other books. Read a Rotten Ralph book, Hole in My Life, or another title, and connect the work to Dead End in Norvelt. What themes do the novels have in common? How do they differ?

Dead End in Norvelt is consistently political, as Miss Volker notes several political figures and events. Choose one political figure or event and research its history. How does what you have learned enrich the figure or event’s relevance to the novel?

The relationship between Jack and his parents is complex and evolves. How do Jack’s relationships with his mother and father contrast? How do both relationships influence his development throughout the novel? Consider how his interactions with each parent impact his coming of age, citing specific examples from the text.