Flush

Explain how Paine’s early loss of his parents might have a bearing on his behavior as an environmental activist. Do you agree with Paine or Donna? Explain.

Give examples of Dusty’s greed. How does this behavior dovetail with his decision to dump waste into the local waterways?

Jasper and Bull try to harass Noah and Abbey as several points in the story. How are their efforts undermined? By whom?

Compare Paine’s life choices to Bobby’s. Are the father and son different from one another or similar in their motivation?

How is Thunder Beach woven into the history of the Underwood family? Why is this important?

Flush stresses the fragile nature of the ecosystem in the Florida Keys. What examples does it use to illustrate this concept?

What role does Donna play in relation to her husband and children?

Several characters participate in the fight to protect the environment. Discuss how their motives vary.