79 pages 2 hours read

Jack Gantos

Hole In My Life

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2002

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Essay Topics

1.

An important theme in Hole in My Life is Gantos’ belief that great writers must have great experiences. What are instances in Gantos’ memoir where that mentality puts him in danger?

2.

The underlying current of violence is present in each chapter. Gantos alludes to the color red, blood, and physical violence at multiple points in the memoir. Focus on one instance of violence in Hole in My Life that was particularly memorable and/or disturbing to you. Why does this instance stand out?

3.

One predominant color that Gantos uses in his narrative is yellow. Where is the color yellow used in the memoir to represent decay, and how does Gantos attach this color to himself?