The Boys from Biloxi

Baseball is a prevalent symbol throughout the book. Trace how the symbol is treated throughout the narrative and explain the significance of having baseball be the activity that binds Hugh and Keith.

Keith and Hugh are both extremely loyal to their fathers. However, their loyalty sometimes backfires—the best example being when Hugh wants to “avenge” Lance by ordering a hit on Jesse, and then ends up on death row. Examine the treatment of familial loyalty and how the narrative questions it.

Sheriff “Fats exemplifies how deeply ingrained corruption can be in a society. Trace Fats’s role in supporting the book’s thematic treatment of corruption, considering his trajectory throughout the narrative—from publicly dining with a crime boss to killing himself to avoid prison.

The media, especially the Gulf Coast Register, is present throughout the novel, reporting on incidents like Lance’s trial and Jesse’s murder. In addition, the media plays a role in politics, such as in Jesse’s DA race and, later, in Keith’s running for AG. What argument is the book making about the media and its relationship to politics, power, and the criminal justice system?

The book includes frequent descriptions of legal processes, such as jury selection and the appeals process. How does the author, a former lawyer, ensure that readers—who may not be lawyers—can follow the details of these actions? Consider Ginger’s legal case as an example. Also, consider what devices the author uses, such as including mention of real-world Supreme Court cases and using dialogue between characters.

Following Jesse’s death, Keith becomes increasingly well-connected and ruthless in his career, climbing from DA to AG, using personal connections to the governor of Mississippi. The narrative suggests that Keith himself will one day run for governor. Discuss Keith’s career aspirations and trajectory, considering the book’s suggestion that corruption is apparent everywhere—including politics.

The final part of the book, “The Row,” raises the topic of capital punishment—a notoriously touchy topic. Analyze the book’s presentation of capital punishment, considering points like the narrative’s inclusion of historical details (i.e., Supreme Court cases) and the case of Jimmy Lee Gray.

The focus of the book’s action is the battle of “good versus evil,” the crime fighters versus the criminals. However, even the “good guys” display morally questionable behavior, as exemplified by Jesse’s resorting to extortion to lock Lance away. What argument is the book making about morality and legality?