All The Bright Places

Many students at Bartlett High School refer to Finch as “Theodore Freak.” How did this nickname evolve? What emotions does this evoke in Finch, and what does this say about the people who use it to describe him?

Violet and Finch begin their relationship with a Facebook correspondence in which they both quote sections from Virginia Woolf’s “The Waves.” How does this book foreshadow the ending of their story? What is the significance of constant reference to water?

Both Mr. Embry and Kate advise Finch to “be careful” in his relationship with Violet. He is very upset by this advice. What do they want him to be careful of and what do they fear will happen to him?

Why does Finch change the color of the walls in his room, and what does the new color signify? He rearranges the furniture in order to make his space feel more confined. How will he further change his environment and why?

Brenda Shank-Kravitz is a friend, and fervent supporter, of Theodore Finch. Why does Violet abandon her former “popular” friends and ask to eat lunch with Brenda’s group, who are deemed socially unacceptable?

Toward the end of his time with Finch, Mr. Embry, his counselor, talks to him about the symptoms of bipolar disorder. He notes that there is a genetic component to this illness. Why is this disturbing to Theodore?

Finch researches support groups and attends a “Life is Life” meeting. What is the purpose of this group? Which unexpected person attends the meeting under an alias, and what does Finch promise her that he will do?

After she realizes Finch is in trouble, Violet admits to her parents that she has continued a relationship with him against their wishes. She asks them to get him help. What is the Markeys’ reaction, and how do they attempt to assist Finch? Are they successful?