1. NO BIRDS SING HERE takes place in the South, in the early 1980’s, in a world that followed a series of devastating wars and was experiencing upending social and economic change. Is that fact significant in this story, or could the same story be set in any place or time.
4. The first word in the book is “Quiet!†It is in reaction to the alley cats outside of Beckman’s window, fighting for territorial dominance. Beckman considers using this theme in his yet unwritten novel. Does the theme of territorial or personal dominance appear elsewhere in the book?
6. Herschel is a somewhat disturbing character doing unpleasant things at the beginning of the book. Is his character’s presence necessary? What does he represent?
8. The back cover of the book reads “Beckman and Malany’s journey reflects the allegorical evolution of humanity from its primal state, represented by Beckman’s dismal life as a dishwasher to the crude, medieval development of mankind in a pool hall, and then to the false but erudite veneer of sophistication of the academic world.†Discuss the relevant characters and their allegorical representations.
10. When Beckman and Malany arrive at her college friends house in Memphis, is it significant that this is where they effectively part company? What draws each character to their respective destiny? Is it a compatible reason with each of their initial quests?
12. When Beckman sees Malany on the bridge, everyone on the bridge thinks she’s going to jump. Does Beckman think so? Is Malany “giving up†by going back to her husband? Has she become aware of her modest talent?
