Ideas for Reports and Papers
1. Investigate the history and usage of LSD and other hallucinogenic substances. What historical context surrounds their use? What impact do these drugs have on the brain and the body?
2. Examine how Hinton employs the technique of foreshadowing in her writing. When does she use this literary device? Does she ever reveal too much of the plot? When is her foreshadowing particularly effective, and when does it fall short?
3. How would the narrative change if it were narrated from Mark's perspective?
4. How do race and gender issues affect relationships in That Was Then, This Is Now? Reflect on Mike's story and the incidents where Angela's hair is cut and Bryon is assaulted.
5. Betrayal is a central theme in the novel. Whose betrayal is more severe, Mark's betrayal of Bryon or Bryon's betrayal of Mark? Is one more justifiable than the other, or are both equally damaging?
6. What defines a literary tragedy? Would you consider That Was Then, This Is Now a tragedy? Which aspects of the story best align with a tragic interpretation?
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