The Misfits

At the beginning of the novel, Bobby tries not to draw attention to himself. How would you describe Bobby’s character at the end of the novel? How does he change over the course of the story?

What does Bobby learn about Mr. Kellerman the longer they work together? How does his impression of Mr. Kellerman change over the course of the novel?

Why is Pam so significant to Joe? What lessons does Pam teach Joe and the rest of the Gang of Five?

What is The Forum and why is it so important to the Gang of Five? What do you learn about Addie, Bobby, Skeezie, and Joe during The Forum meetings?

What does Bobby learn about himself through his part-time job as a tie salesman? In what ways is this job significant to Bobby?

Examine the novel’s writing style. In addition to straight prose, the novel includes transcripts from the Gang’s Forum meetings and sample campaign posters. Why do you think the author chose to write the novel this way? How did these various techniques and writing styles help you understand the characters and the events of the story?

Mr. Kiley encourages Addie to work within the system instead of trying to create her own third political party. Do you think it’s better to work within a system that is already in place or to disrupt the system? What do the Gang of Five discover through this process?

After his campaign speech, Bobby observes, “‘Happily ever after’ only works out in stories, not in life—leastwise, not happy the way you think it should be’” (254). In what ways do the Gang of Five achieve happy endings at the end of the story? Do you think the No-Name Party reached a happy ending? Why or why not?