Not an Easy Win

What is one theme of the text that relates to belonging? Trace the development of the theme throughout the text, using at least two other literary elements in your discussion.

As a bildungsroman, the novel primarily discusses Lawrence’s growth and development. Identify two other characters who change throughout the novel, analyzing who they are at the beginning, what causes them to change, and who they are at the novel’s end.

What is the importance of the setting in the novel? Discuss three specific ways that the setting impacts the characters of the text, considering both time and place. Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Due to Lawrence’s limited point of view, little is known about Mr. Dennis in the novel. What do you think Mr. Dennis’s motivation is for helping Lawrence? Point to specific moments in the text as evidence in support of your assertion.

How does the tone change throughout the novel? Identify the tone at the start of the novel, a point in the middle, and the end of the novel, explaining how the tone changes at each point. What does this tonal shift emphasize about Lawrence’s character development?

What racial stereotypes do different environments (e.g., the chess tournament, Andrew Jackson Middle School, and Lawrence’s town) uphold, and how does this affect Lawrence and other characters in the novel? Identify three instances where a character resists societal norms or expectations, using examples from the text. How does Giles depict the role of collective resistance and affirmation in supporting the individual’s sense of self and belonging?

Analyze the novel’s exploration of masculinity. How does Lawrence's understanding of what it means to be “a man” evolve throughout the story, and who does he receive these messages from? Consider key moments where Lawrence confronts traditional ideas of masculinity, and discuss how these moments challenge or reinforce his sense of self and his relationships with other characters.

Education plays a central role in the novel, both formally and informally. Discuss how Lawrence’s educational experiences—at school, at home, at the rec center, and through self-study—shape his worldview and contribute to his development as a person. How does his changing relationship with education contribute to his self-discovery and growth?