Bad Monkey

Does Bad Monkey have any morally “good” characters? If so, who are they, and what qualities make them stand out? Why does the novel have so many morally ambiguous or flawed characters? What overarching message does this convey about society and morality? Use textual evidence to support your analysis.

Identify the subplots in Bad Monkey. Do they enhance or detract from the main narrative? What is Hiaasen’s purpose in incorporating multiple subplots and characters into the overarching story? Use specific examples to support your analysis.

Bad Monkey is considered a satire. What societal issues does the novel satirize? Is its use of satire to critique these issues effective? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

Bad Monkey features several villains. Which villain poses the greatest threat, and which is the least threatening? Why? Do these villains indicate individual evil, or do they reflect a more systemic problem? Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

How does Bad Monkey portray authority? Consider the various forms of authority in the novel, such as law enforcement, corporate power, and local government. Analyze how these portrayals reflect corruption, incompetence, and moral ambiguity. Additionally, explore the impact of authority figures on the characters and the overall narrative. Are there instances where authority is challenged or upheld, and where authorities act honorably? Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

What does Hurricane Francoise represent in Bad Monkey? Consider the hurricane’s role as a literal and metaphorical force within the narrative. Additionally, explore how the hurricane acts as a catalyst for change, influencing character decisions and events throughout the story. Use specific examples from the text to support your response.

What role does Driggs play in Bad Monkey, and why is this character, who has only a nominal presence, referred to as the eponymous “Bad Monkey”? Analyze Driggs’ function in the story, considering how he represents various themes. Use textual evidence in your response.

Examine the role of humor in Bad Monkey. How does it use humor to address serious themes such as corruption, environmental degradation, and morality? Consider the novel’s various forms of humor, from situational comedy and satire to dark humor and irony. Does humor soften the novel’s critiques or enhance the impact of its messages? Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis.