The Labors of Hercules Beal

What role does Elly play in the novel? Is she symbolic? Does she contribute to the development of any themes? Be specific and use evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Choose a passage where Hercules describes the beauty of his hometown, Truro, Massachusetts, and a passage where he describes a storm or natural disaster. How do the passages differ, and what do they have in common?

What specific phrases, metaphors, or similes does Hercules use in these descriptive passages? How does his tone and word choice contribute to the theme of The Significance of Setting on Personal Development?

Hercules’s brother, Achilles, is also named after a Greek hero. Research Achilles’s life and accomplishments in ancient mythology. Then, compare your findings to Achilles Beal in Gary D. Schmidt’s novel. How does Hercules’s brother reflect the characteristics of ancient Achilles? How is he different?

What is the role of humor and sarcasm in the novel? Does Hercules’s use of humor shift as his narrative arc progresses? If so, how? If not, why not?

In the archetypal hero’s journey, the protagonist begins a quest in an unknown world and tackles challenges. Research the hero’s journey, and then consider Hercules’s journey from the beginning of seventh grade until the end. How do his experiences fit the mold of the hero’s journey? Explain your thinking.

Hercules’s community helps him heal emotionally after his parents’ death. What other character in the novel is buoyed by the support of others? How and why? Explain your thinking.

Although they are not alive in the narrative, Hercules and Achilles’s parents are referenced often. What does Hercules share about them? What were they like as parents? Using examples from the novel, analyze their characterization.

Architecture plays a prominent role in the narrative, from the Beal family greenhouses to the destroyed Cape Cod Academy for Environmental Sciences to the abandoned summer home to the Neals’ flattened house. Considering each structure, what does architecture symbolize in the novel? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.