In what ways are Jake and Willie similar? In what ways are they different? How do the similarities and differences between them help to support the novel’s themes?

Jake’s mother accuses her husband of being a “K-I-A/D-I-A” (33). What does she mean by this? What evidence supports her accusation? What evidence contradicts her accusation?

In this story, how does “know-it-all” behavior hurt both know-it-alls and the people around them? What does the story’s theory seem to be about why people might act this way, despite the consequences?