The Whistler

What reforms to our legal system might reduce the incidence of false convictions? (For more information, see the Further Reading section of this study guide.)

Many people consider the purpose of incarceration to make criminals uncomfortable. However, in Chapter 5, the author observes that the practice of solitary confinement can cause severe psychological damage—essentially causing mental illness. To what degree is the prison system responsible for punishing versus rehabilitating prisoners? To what extent is it responsible for keeping prisoners sane?

Evaluate Lacy’s relationships with the other women in the story. In what ways do these relationships match or contradict stereotypes about women and women’s friendships? What about Claudia McDover and her girlfriend? Apart from the romantic element, how is their relationship different from and/or like Lacy’s relationships with other women?

The “not like other girls” protagonist is empowering to women, offering an alternative to traditional feminine stereotypes. It could also be seen as implying that women are only admirable to the extent that they behave like men. Do you agree more with one of these arguments, and why?

In your opinion, do the negative effects of casinos outweigh the benefits or vice versa? Is it an exaggeration to say that a casino can contribute to the loss of a tribe’s cultural heritage? Why or why not?

Zeke Foreman effectively murdered Hugo Hatch but was not charged. Clyde Westbay was his accomplice and is expected to receive a relatively short sentence despite being more deeply involved with Dubose. What does it say about the justice system that they escaped with few consequences? Does the end justify the means? Why or why not?

The final chapters are more a summary than a narrative. Do you think this approach is effective, or would you rather have seen the arrests and convictions in more detail? What might be the pros and cons of the ending as it is?

Do you feel that the story has a satisfactory climax?