We Are the Brennans

What symbols and motifs in the novel relate to the Brennans’ Irish Catholic culture? How does religion affect their lives, whether they are practicing Catholics or not?

How do characters outside the Brennan family see the Brennans? Are their opinions justified? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

How does Mickey’s decision to kill Billy impact the theme of redemption and forgiveness in the novel? Do Mickey’s actions serve narrative justice, and are they redeemable? Why or why not?

How does setting support the novel’s plot, themes, and character development? Discuss important settings such as Los Angeles, West Manor, Brennan’s, the Penny Whistle Pub, and Belfast, using examples from the text.

How does the use of flashback support the narrative structure of the novel? Why do flashbacks feature so prominently in each of the characters’ narratives?

How does the use of Irish history support the themes in the novel? What does it tell the reader about the characters? Discuss how specific historical events intersect with the novel’s events.

What part does gender play in the Brennan parents’ interactions with their children and in the children’s interactions with one another? How does gender affect Sunday’s reluctance to tell her family about her secret?

How does the Brennan family’s dynamic change after Maura’s death? Do the family members take on new roles, and does her death change the way they communicate? Provide examples from the text in your response.