The 6:20 Man

In what ways does the setting of Wall Street act as a microcosm for the broader themes of the novel, particularly the juxtaposition of wealth and ethical integrity?

How does The 6:20 Man employ misdirection to build suspense? As Devine revises his initial theories of the case, how does his understanding of character—and of the specific people around him—shift and develop?

Consider the novel through the lens of feminist criticism, discussing how gender roles and power dynamics are portrayed and their impact on the characters’ lives.

How do military imagery and jargon inform the book’s depiction of Wall Street and the finance industry? How does the military work as a motif to symbolize aspects of the financial world?

After being forced out of the military, how does Devine fill the emotional gap left by the loss of that structured environment? How does he impose military discipline on his civilian life, and how do those habits affect his ability to pursue truth and justice?

Reflect on the recurring motif of the 6:20 train in the novel. How does it encapsulate the themes of ambition and routine, and what implications does it have for the characters and the story?

Consider The 6:20 Man as a social critique of economic disparities. How does the novel comment on wealth inequality and the concept of meritocracy?

Explore the moral dilemmas encountered by characters in the novel. How do several major characters balance moral or ethical considerations against the need to survive in their cutthroat environments?