Murray draws on the complex relationship between Ireland and the Catholic Church as subtext for the character of Father Green. Discuss how the historical and social developments in the secularization of Ireland also inform the subtext of other institutional characters, such as Acting Principal Greg Costigan or Coach Tom Roche.

Skippy and Ruprecht belong to a colorful group of friends who comment on the comings and goings at Seabrook College. Define the classical concept of the Greek chorus and discuss how these characters serve this function in the story.

Howard uses a lesson on the cultural response to World War I to connect to his students’ communal grief over the loss of Skippy. Look into your own local history for events that upended the social order of your community and discuss the community’s cultural response to that event.