Seascraper

Research traditional shrimp shanking, now considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Drawing on what you learn about the history of the practice, discuss the novel’s depiction of it. How does it contribute to the novel’s overarching meaning?

Explain Thomas’s strained relationship with his own creativity. How does he want to express himself, and why is this so painful or challenging? Consider practical and emotional barriers, and include references to the text in your answer.

What narrative or thematic role does Thomas’s infatuation with Joan Wyeth play?

Mr. Acheson gives Thomas a book of Rupert Brooke’s poetry. Read some of Brooke’s work, as well as a bit about his life. How does the inclusion of this book develop the novel’s thematic interests?

Compare Pop’s, Ma’s, and Thomas’s different impressions of Patrick Weir. What is the significance of his presence (or absence) in the story?

The book is structured around the ocean’s tides. What is the significance of this choice? What does the tide symbolize?

Characters ranging from Mr. Acheson to Ma to Thomas himself describe themselves as having limited agency or few meaningful choices in life. How do the factors constraining their agency compare? What overall point is the novel making about free will?

Consider Thomas’s story as a künstlerroman: a story about the education of an artist. How does his journey reflect or subvert genre expectations?