Questions About Affliction: A PEN/Faulkner Finalist American Literature Thriller of Dysfunctional Family and Violence

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Answered Questions (1)

I was wondering about this passage at the end of Chapter 5: "Twombley haded t to him [his new gun]. Jack looked it over. He lifted his head, and for a few seconds he stared at Twombley's chest, and then he raised the gun and aimed it and fired." I thought from this passage that Jack had killed Twombley, but apparently not. Can someone explain this to me?

Joshua I have been wondering about this too, and I could be wrong in my answer. Perhaps we are supposed to be thinking that this was just Wade's imaginings o…moreI have been wondering about this too, and I could be wrong in my answer. Perhaps we are supposed to be thinking that this was just Wade's imaginings of what happened? It is Rolfe narrating though and so that is what makes it confusing.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (3)

First few pages refer twice to its being “hunting season.” Does the book go on to contain descriptions of deer (or other animals) being injured or killed? Thanks.

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Why did Wade kill Jack?

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The author keeps referring to Halloween Eve. Then, at the start of chapter 2, it becomes obvious that what he calls Halloween Eve is actually Halloween. That lack of precision along with his gloomy first chapter did it for me. I took the book back to the library. No more Russell Banks for moi?

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