61 pages 2-hour read

The Dixon Rule

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Essay Topics

1.

Elle Kennedy always includes complex family dynamics in the lives of her characters. How are Shane and Diane’s family dynamics similar or different? How do these familial dynamics impact their character arcs?

2.

Fighting is generally seen as a bad sign in relationships between individuals. In contrast to this assumption, how is fighting a positive in Diana and Shane’s relationship? What does it reveal about their individual characters and their potential compatibility?

3.

How does Kennedy use humor and banter to reveal characterization and relationship development? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

4.

How does the novel use foreshadowing to build tension, particularly in the subplot involving Percy? Discuss how these techniques contribute to the overall narrative.

5.

Fling or Forever plays a recurring role in the story. How does its depiction reflect broader societal views on love, entertainment, and/or emotional connection in contemporary culture?

6.

Diana has a strong creative side, from her dance to her monetized social media account. How does her creativity contribute to her self-expression and empowerment throughout the novel? How does it form a contrast to Lynsey’s perfectionism?

7.

Compare and contrast The Dixon Rule with The Graham Effect. What key themes, ideas, and/or narrative techniques do the two novels share in common?

8.

How does the setting of the Meadow Hill apartment complex serve as more than just a setting for the story? How is it depicted? Consider its role in community building, character interactions, and/or plot development.

9.

The novel balances comedic elements, like Shane’s group chat struggles, with intense emotional moments, such as Percy’s attack on Diana. How does this balance affect the story’s exploration of love, personal growth, and resilience?

10.

How does the novel use romance tropes, such as the “fake dating” trope, in its narrative? In what other ways does Kennedy conform to, or diverge from, common tropes and techniques in contemporary romance novels?

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