76 pages • 2-hour read
About a Boy
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
To what extent do you believe that About a Boy has a happy ending? Provide evidence for your answer.
What role does the figure of the single mother play in Hornby’s novel?
How is fatherhood represented in the story?
How does Hornby present masculinity as a matter of conforming?
The novel is set in the 1990s. In your opinion, which aspects of the novel are now dated? Give reasons for your answer.
What is the significance of location in Hornby’s novel?
How does Hornby represent the relationship between caring and indifference?
How is idealism and pragmatism portrayed in About a Boy, and which one comes across as the more useful quality?
How sympathetic of a character do you find Will? With close reference to the text, provide reasons for your answer.
What is the significance of communication and misunderstanding in Hornby’s portraits of Will and Marcus?
Unlock all 76 pages of this Study Guide
Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.
- Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
- Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
- Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs