Stand Tall

The tone of the novel shifts dramatically from start to finish. Carefully examine the diction used to explain how and why the tone changes.

Other than Bradley, there are many animals in the narrative. Consider Conan the dog, Nuts the squirrel, Fred the parrot, or Lassie the iguana. What do the different animals symbolize and why? Explain your thinking.

Characters who possess contrasting, or opposing, personalities are called foils. Who within Stand Tall might be considered a foil to Tree? How and why? Evaluate why the author might have created this opposition within the narrative.

This novel is a Bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story in which a young protagonist matures with the help of those around them. Take a closer look at one minor character—Mona, the Trash King, Dr. Terry, etc.—and evaluate how they provide guidance—even if unintended—to Tree. Examine not just their words and actions, but their impact on Tree’s growth.

Grandpa has a close-knit group of friends at the Veteran Affairs (VA) and in physical therapy. Analyze the passages where he interacts with them and evaluate how the theme of The Power of Community is evident in these moments.

The novel’s exploration of the theme of Resilience in the Face of Adversity illustrates how people use different coping methods to endure challenging times. Look closely at two different characters other than Tree, Grandpa, and Sophie and describe how they manage life’s difficulties. Evaluate the success of those strategies in helping them deal with their problems.

Grief results not just from death, but also from the loss of something treasured in one’s life. The process can be intense and complex, and people often cycle through multiple phases while grieving. Read about the stages here and examine how Tree grieves his parents’ divorce. What stages does he exhibit? How does this compare to the grief of other characters?

Tree’s growth throughout the narrative speaks volumes about the Impact of Expectations on Identity Development. What additional characters face expectations placed on them? Explain how these expectations influence their perceptions of themselves in the world.