Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Novel

Describe Sharon Tate’s role in the novel. Why isn’t Sharon more of a main character? Does her infrequent presence in the novel lead to her being a more sympathetic character? Cite excerpts from the text to support your view.

Discuss Rick and Cliff’s relationship. In what ways does Cliff’s character bring out different aspects of Rick’s character and vice versa? Reference specific instances that highlight this dynamic.

Cliff spends a lot of time contemplating the intersection of reality and fiction. Are Cliff’s stories and memories of his past true, or do they hold elements of fiction? Provide textual examples.

The chapter on Aldo Ray doesn’t exist in the film. What is the purpose of this chapter in the novel? Why does Cliff give Aldo alcohol, and why does he say he’d do it again?

Discuss the role of Charles Manson in the novel. Does the inclusion of Charlie’s past pursuit of music humanize him? Why does Tarantino include this story?

Tarantino revisits several stories throughout the novel, including the story of Rick’s once being considered for a Steve McQueen role, Debra Jo’s story about joining the Manson Family, and Cliff’s murders. What is the literary purpose of retelling these stories? Are different elements of the stories added or subtracted at different times? If so, for what reason?

Tarantino includes portions of the pilot of Lancer throughout the novel. What is the connection between Lancer’s plot and Rick and Cliff’s lives? Cite the text to support your argument.

Was 1960s Hollywood a “golden era”? Why or why not? Provide textual examples to support your view.