The Protagonist's Role

1. Richard Peck has intriguingly revealed his intent to craft protagonists as "young surrogates for the readers." How effectively does Matt Moran embody this role? Does he resonate with authenticity and relatability? What literary devices does Peck deploy to breathe life into Matt, rendering him both genuine and endearing?

Caricatures and Comic Elements

2. Within the pages of Close Enough to Touch, many characters take on the guise of caricatures—often portrayed as whimsical figures with a handful of exaggerated characteristics. Which characters fit this mold, and how do Matt's descriptions emphasize these traits to bring out their humorous essence?

Matt as a Critic

3. Matt frequently reveals himself as a critic, dissecting the nuances of education, his peers, and the nature of suburban life. What particular aspects does Matt highlight in his critical observations? What flaws does he perceive in the world around him?

Literary Comparisons

4. Compare Peck's narrative to other novels tackling the challenge of coping with the loss of a loved one. Consider works like Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terebithia (1977) or James Agee's A Death in the Family (1957) as potential comparisons.

The Cottage at Juniper Lake

5. Examine the significance of the cottage at Juniper Lake in Matt's personal growth. What emotions does he associate with it? How do the experiences unfolding there contribute to Matt's development and lend cohesive structure to his story?

Chapter 6: The Drinking Episode

6. Analyze the presentation of Matt's drinking escapade in Chapter 6. How does the comedic tone of this episode resonate with you? Is Peck justified in treating Matt's brush with alcohol in such a lighthearted manner?

Symbolism in Chapter 8

7. In Chapter 8, when Matt encounters Margaret, consider why it might be significant to Matt’s growth that he initially perceives Margaret as a ghost, then equates her presence to "she's as dead as...Dory." Is Peck weaving symbolism into this narrative thread? Can you identify other instances in the novel where symbolic elements might be at play?