Petey

How does Petey conceptualize time? What measures does he utilize in marking the course of his life from one period to the next? How does his understanding of time change depending on whether he is confined to bed or placed in his wheelchair?

Explore Petey’s relationship with his body over the course of the novel. How does he relate to and perceive his physical form? What events and circumstances present the greatest challenges for him?

Consider the ways in which Petey’s relationships with the caregivers he has known has changed and enriched his life. What did he learn, and from whom? How did his age and the phase in his life during which they met contribute to the lessons that he learned?

How does Calvin and Petey’s bond grow and evolve over the years they spend together at Warm Springs? What do they value about each other? How do their differences present both assets and obstacles in their relationship?

What changes for Petey in his transition to Bozeman Nursing Home from Warm Springs State Hospital? What has evolved in healthcare? What has stayed the same?

Why does Petey feel drawn to Trevor after committing to not allowing himself to care for anyone any more 13 years before? What does he see in the gesture Trevor makes to protect him that inspires him to break his resolution?

How does Trevor change as a result of his relationship with Petey? How are his perception and understanding of himself altered? In what ways does his relationship to other people change?

Petey’s health and interest in going on outings with Trevor begin to decline after he reunites with Calvin. Soon after, he becomes gravely ill and demonstrates an acceptance of his fate when he realizes he will not recover. In what ways has Trevor’s actions brought closure to Petey? How does this closure influence his ability to accept his fate?