Breakfast on Pluto

Consider Braden’s “scandalous” behavior in Tyreelin through three scenes. Analyze the underlying motivations for his behavior.

The novel is told entirely from the perspective of Braden (and occasionally Braden’s imaginings of other characters’ perspectives). Write about the underwear-stealing incident in Chapter 4 from the neighbor’s point of view, including her perception of Braden.

Explore the characters of Braden’s lovers Eamon and Bertie based on Braden’s narration. How are they similar and different? Why is Braden drawn to each of them?

“‘Who will love them for me?’ was a question I once had asked, when I dreamed of being from this world gone early.” Analyze Braden’s fantasy of family life as depicted in Chapter 11. Does Braden reject or accept traditional patriarchal values? How is his perspective of traditional family life skewed by his own experiences?

The reader might question the existence of Dr. Terence. Write an argumentative essay debating the existence of Dr. Terence in Braden’s reality and the pros and cons of each possibility.

How does Braden’s sense of self evolve through the novel? Does he finally embody a true representation of himself? Supply and analyze pertinent examples.

Breakfast on Pluto takes place in the time of the Northern Ireland conflict—but is it a political novel? If so, on which side does McCabe fall? Supply three examples to support your claim.

Explore to what extent the time period and political circumstances determine the course of Braden, Charlie, and Irwin’s lives. How would their lives be different today?