Absolutely Normal Chaos

What role does the journal format play in the story of Mary Lou’s summer? You should refer to both form and content in your answer.

How does the novel treat the theme of female sexuality? To what extent does it portray female sexuality as something that should be embraced and talked about openly?

How does Homer’s The Odyssey figure in Creech’s novel, and what significance does it have in Carl Ray and Mary Lou’s coming-of-age stories?

How does the novel deal with strangers and strangeness? How does Mary Lou’s attitude toward strangers change over the course of the novel?

Mary Lou’s platonic relationship with Carl Ray is arguably far more compelling than her romantic one with Alex. To what extent do you agree with this statement? You should refer closely to the text in your answer.

What role do West Virginia and the West Virginia Finneys play in the novel? In your opinion and with close reference to the text, do they seem like well-rounded characters or rural stereotypes who Mary Lou defines herself against?

Do a close reading of Mary Lou’s friendship with Beth Ann. How does Creech use Beth Ann as a foil to Mary Lou?

Discuss the tension between a sense of control and the unexpected in the novel. How does Mary Lou’s relationship to these elements change as the novel progresses?