Sunny Side Up

In what instances does the narrative blame and judge Dale for his beliefs and behaviors? What depictions of Dale evoke empathy for his character? Based on the examples that you chose, what is the story’s overall stance on the youth counterculture rebellion of the 1970s?

How does the story’s art draw attention to specific consumer goods and to the flavor of materialism that dominated mainstream culture in the 1970s?

When Buzz introduces Sunny to comic books, he thinks that she should like Wonder Woman because of her gender. What point about gender roles does the narrative make in this scene? What other messages about gender are apparent in the story’s art and text?

What are Patrick’s strengths and weaknesses as a caregiver for Sunny?

Compare and contrast the story’s two settings (Florida and Pennsylvania).What are the advantages and disadvantages of each setting, from Sunny’s perspective? How do these two different settings relate to Sunny’s attempts at Embracing New Growth?

Compare and contrast the partial truths and outright lies told by Sunny, Dale, and Pat. How do the differing intentions and impacts of these communications impact the narrative’s broader messages about The Harmful Impact of Secrets?

How do the frequent flashbacks invoke instances of dramatic irony to enhance the impact of the narrative?

Examine at least three scenarios in which the corresponding artwork changes the surface-level meaning of the dialogue. How do the novel’s creators use visual hints to create a deeper subtext to the story?