Cunningham, Michael: *1952
A Home at the End of the World, 1990 - Teaching
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- Reading Group Guide with discussion questions (pdf 3 pp)
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- Discussion Questions
How does Cunningham challenge the notion of "home" as a physical place rather than a state of mind? (Students can analyze "home" not just as a physical structure, but as a space of belonging that one must actively construct from "raw material at hand")
How do the alternating viewpoints of Bobby and Jonathan reveal their inner vulnerabilities?
How is the theme of AIDS handled in the novel, and what is its effect on the characters' relationships?
What does the ending of the novel imply about the future of the main characters' relationships?.
- Teaching Activities and Discussion Points
Compare and Contrast:
Discuss the differences between Bobby’s upbringing in a chaotic, drug-filled home and Jonathan’s more conventional, yet cold, upbringing.The "Chosen Family" Concept:
Debate whether the family formed by Bobby, Jonathan, and Clare in the final act is a sustainable "home" or a desperate attempt to escape loneliness.Narrative Perspective Shift:
Analyze a specific scene (e.g., when Bobby moves to NYC) by comparing how it would differ if told by only one character versus the alternating perspectives.The Symbolism of "Home":
Discuss the shifting locations (Cleveland, NYC, Upstate New York) and what they represent in terms of security and freedom for the characters.The Role of Setting (The 1970s/80s):
Explore how the social landscape of the 70s and 80s influenced the characters'\ decisions.
- Discussion Questions