What is the purpose of the titles beginning each chapter instead of numbers?
They give insight into what will happen within the chapter.
100
Do the characters live by the American Dream?
They do not believe in the American Dream as many citizens do during the 1980s.
100
What is the time period of Generation X and Bright Lights Big City and how does the time affect the characters actions?
The time period is during the 1980s and it forced the characters to live in a very fast paced lifestyle which resulted in isolation between characters and unregulated activity.
200
What character is most resistant to facing the truth about himself?
Dag
200
What do the stories the characters tell symbolize?
To express their feelings and experiences through unrelated issues. The stories symbolize the struggles in their everyday life without showing complete vulnerability.
200
Why are there so many chapters in the book even though it is relatively short?
Each chapter is a story from the characters lives and the book follows them through their experiences.
200
Did marriage divorces rise or fall during the 1980s?
Divorce numbers grew during the 1980s.
200
In The Breakfast Club like Generation X, how do the characters reveal their feelings?
Through stories
300
How do the characters open up to each other and share their feelings/emotions throughout the book?
Through storytelling
300
What does the sun represent?
New life and hope for the characters
300
Why is the story only told from one perspective?
It offers a first hand, observed version of what is happening with the characters.
300
Tobias was a character in generation x who stood out for his success, what 80’s term do the characters throughout the story use to refer to Tobias?
Tobias is considered a Yuppie
300
Like Aliens, do any of the characters feel isolated?
Yes, the characters do feel isolated from society but not to the same extent as the characters from Aliens.
400
Where do the characters live?
Palm Springs
400
What do the characters consider nostalgia to be?
A weapon
400
Why is the novel mostly told in stories from the different characters?
The purpose is to give different opinions and experiences on what is happening around them.
400
Claire is a representation of women and empowerment ideals during the 80s, what term is she referred to as?
A Feminist
400
How do Andy’s parents compare to Clay’s parents in Bright Lights, Big City?
Clay’s parents exemplified the yuppie persona during the 1980s. Andy’s parents were also focused on success but not to the same extent of Clay’s parents.
500
Where is Andy's family originally from?
Oregon
500
Materialism vs. self expression: did the characters value material objects or self expression?
For the most part, they value self expression over material objects.
500
Why does the author choose to have the book narrated by Andy?
Andy is the most sane and insightful out of all of the characters.
500
What does Dag's gift to Claire of a jar of Trinitite, signify about the time period?
It is significant to the 80’s because it is evidence of the cold war and the arms race at the time.
500
In comparison with Fight Club, how do the characters cope with their problems in Generation X?
In Fight Club the characters result towards action to solve their problems as opposed to Generation X where they result to talking than action.