The Mosquito Coast

To what degree does Allie believe his own assertions? Has he intentionally manufactured his personal history, or is he convinced that his version of events is factual? Discuss how Allie integrates the events as related by Charlie and presents them anew, considering how this approach may exemplify his thought processes

Polski describes Allie as the worst kind of know-it-all, one who is sometimes right. When is Allie right, and how does this impact his role in the novel?

Look at how characters outside the Fox family interact with Charlie. In which instances does Charlie find the positive interactions that he is missing from his own family? How do these interactions influence Charlie’s perception of himself?

Charlie is a very descriptive narrator, but individual physical descriptions of his family are entirely absent from the novel. Discuss the possible significance of this omission.

Charlie frequently depicts Mother as more of an elder peer than a parental figure. Examine Mother’s role in the family and the ways in which she both fulfills and falls short of traditional expectations of motherhood.

The Acre gives the children of Jeronimo a sense of autonomy and peace. Discuss the ways in which its differences from Jeronimo serve to alter Charlie’s perspective and its significance in his experience in the jungle.

Although Allie has a significant amount of disdain for missionaries, there are similarities between his own efforts and aspirations at Jeronimo and the behaviors and actions of the missionaries. How is Allie both alike and different from them?

Compare Jerry and Charlie’s attitudes and roles in the rebellion against their father. Which aspects of their experiences and interactions with Allie influence their approaches to their dilemma?