Several of the novel’s chapter titles allude to common expressions or outside works, while others offer ironic commentary on their contents. Select and analyze one or more of these chapter titles: How do they shape readers’ perceptions of the text?

Turtle makes frequent references to the comic strips, radio shows, and movies of her day. Locate and sample at least one of these works she references. How does your increased understanding of the work impact your understanding of the novel?

Compare Mr. Edgit and Archie as foil characters: How are they similar and different? What role does each play in the novel?