Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

Ari and Dante’s close relationship is central to the novel. Analyze the development of this relationship. How does it change (improve, worsen, etc.) throughout the novel?

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is a young adult romance novel. What particular aspects of the story render it a young adult novel, a romance novel, or both?

Describe Sáenz’s narrative tone and writing style. How does his distinctive style inform and give life to the story’s characters, themes, and setting?

Ari has only distant memories of his older brother, Bernardo, who has been in prison for most of Ari’s life. Haunted by his brother’s memory, Ari decides to visit Bernardo in prison. Analyze how this event affects Ari and his perception of his brother.

Exploring the role of grief in the book. Who in the book experiences grief, and why? What events trigger their grief, and how do they manage it? Cite examples from the text to support your answer.

In his senior year of high school, Ari forms an unlikely friendship with Cassandra. Explore the evolution of this friendship and why Ari considers it to be deeply meaningful and fulfilling.

Ari takes note of the fact that he is no longer the boy he was even a year ago. Discuss how Ari shows signs of growing and maturing. In other words, how does Ari “come of age” in the novel?

Ari has always struggled with love; for most of his life, he has struggled to know how to love others and how to let others love him. Explore how Ari tackles this struggle. How does he begin to meaningfully love others and allow others to love him as well?