I'm Thinking of Ending Things

How do Jake’s theories of valency, critical balance, and identity contribute to your understanding of who the protagonist is?

What do the protagonist’s observations of Jake’s appearance, habits, and behavior say about Jake himself? What is the importance of her physical attraction for Jake?

How does Carl Jung’s philosophy, as discussed by the driving instructor, contribute to your understanding of the novel’s ending?

Is the man who watches the protagonist through her bedroom window as a child Jake? Why or why not?

Why is the protagonist afraid of Ms. Veal? What does her fear indicate about Jake’s lifelong struggle with social anxiety and disconnection from others?

Discuss three metaphors that Reid employs to discuss the nature of depression and loneliness. How do these metaphors come together at the end of the novel?

Why is the protagonist unnamed throughout the novel? Both Jake and his father believe her to be Steph. Do you agree the protagonist is Steph? Why or why not?

There are three teenage girls who work at the Dairy Queen. What do these three girls represent? How are they different from one another? Why do you think the third girl, who hands the protagonist her frozen lemonade, says she is frightened for the protagonist?