Buddy’s defacement of the tombstones shapes Buddy Lee and Ike’s future decisions in different ways. Discuss how vandalism influences each of their paths in the novel.

Buddy Lee seems to be incapable of communicating without joking, although his life is not filled with fun. What role does humor play for him? Is it a habit, a nervous tic, a sign of his amusement with life, a coping mechanism, or a combination of these things? Support your argument with examples from the text.

Ike and Buddy Lee grow emotionally throughout the story. What does each of them learn from the other?