Classic vs. Contemporary Tales of Romance

1. Dive into the timeless tales of romance and wealth disparity with classics like Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. These stories explore the intricate dance between impoverished young men and their affluent female counterparts. Delve into one of these novels and juxtapose its central relationship with that in Workin' for Peanuts.

Exploring Social Class Across Young Adult Fiction

2. Examine Strasser's portrayal of social class and set it alongside another young adult masterpiece, such as S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders or M. E. Kerr's Gentlehands and Him She Loves?. Alternatively, consider Strasser's own works like Angel Dust Blues or A Touchy Subject. Compare and contrast the nuances of social hierarchies depicted in these narratives.

Symbolism Through Setting

3. Analyze the profound use of setting as a symbolic element in the novel. Consider what locations such as the stadium and Stottswood signify to Jeff, and unravel the layers of meaning these places hold within the story.

The Final Farewell: An Unhappy Ending?

4. As the story concludes, Jeff and Melissa part ways, likely destined never to cross paths again. Reflect on whether this separation culminates in a sorrowful conclusion, especially in light of the novel's overarching themes.

The Impact and Stereotyping of Minor Characters

5. Delve into the roles of secondary characters, including the vendors and Melissa's friends. Consider how Strasser employs stereotypes and discuss the extent to which these characters enrich or detract from the narrative.

Characters in Limbo: A Journey of Change

6. Several characters, such as Jeff, his father, Rick, and Melissa, appear to be caught in a state of inertia, yearning for transformative events. Investigate and compare how these individuals evolve, or fail to evolve, over the course of the story.