This Is Where I Leave You

Discuss the roles of fidelity and adultery as conflicts in the novel, and their impacts on selected characters. Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in the novel to argue what the novel suggests makes a love relationship successful, and what can damage or destroy it.

Discuss the various types of masculinity that are portrayed in the novel. Mort Foxman, Paul, Phillip, and Judd all exhibit their own sort of masculinity, as does Wade, whom Judd refers to as an “alpha male.” What is Jonathan Tropper saying about men and masculinity through their relationships, actions, sexual habits, and violence?

Discuss the theme of grief in the novel. Judd aches for many losses: his father, his childhood, his wife, and even Penny. Does the novel come to any conclusion about ways to handle grief, healthy or otherwise?

Tracy thinks Judd is on a quest for love, and Judd admits he falls in love several times a day. Discuss the ways in which romantic love functions as a character motivation and as a theme in this novel. How does the drive for love fit with the accompanying theme of grief and bereavement?

Choose a setting—the house, the pool, the ice rink, the bar, or basement—and describe the symbolism this setting acquires through the novel. What does this place or setting come to represent, and what role does it play in conflict and character development? Cite passages from the text for support.

The fear of aging is a theme in the novel, going hand in hand with fears of loss. What larger message is Tropper trying to convey through Judd’s observations of how others have aged and changed? How do other characters deal with aging? Use evidence from the text as support.

Trace Judd’s arc as a character across the events of the novel. What changes does he undergo? Does he reach any new understanding? What choices do you expect Judd to make after the closing scene? You may wish to approach this question by considering whether Judd is a hero or anti-hero type.

Watch the feature film This Is Where I Leave You and compare that script to the novel. What changes has Tropper made to events or characters? Discuss the differences you see and what impact these changes have on the story. You may further wish to discuss the characterization of the actors and how their performance compares to the characters from the book.