Saving 6

How does Saving 6 depict the way socioeconomic status affects the power dynamics between characters? Analyze how different lived experiences due to class shape interactions, conflicts, or hierarchies in the novel. Using evidence from the text, how does the author use symbolism, dialogue, and setting to underscore the impact of these differences?

Analyze how Walsh portrays masculinity in the novel. How do different characters (e.g., Joey, Teddy, Tony, and Paul) navigate dominant societal expectations of manhood? How do the characters struggle with, conform to, and subvert these expectations? Using textual evidence, examine how the text both critiques and reinforces traditional notions of masculinity.

How does the setting of the novel—both physical and social—influence the protagonist’s journey? Discuss how different environments shape Joey’s values, actions, and relationships. How does the author use particular settings (e.g., Joey’s house, Aoife’s house, school, Tony’s mechanic shop, and the hurling pitch) to develop his character arc? Consider how these settings improve or exacerbate Joey’s internal and external struggles, citing examples from the text in your response.