Discussion Questions

1.

Tylers landscaping job develops his muscles, but also allows him to use his skills at

digging holes: "I was good at digging holes. It was the rest of life I sucked at" (p. 39). What
figurative holes has Tyler dug for himself in his life? Is it really true that he isnt good at
anything else?
Throughout the story, Tyler makes decisions that put himself in situations that affect him
from an emotional, mental, and social standpoint. One major decision was him spray painting the
school, and breaking the law. This hole he dug set him up in a difficult situation from the very
beginning, at school and at home. Tyler has to visit his probation officer monthly, and had to work
over the summer. Breaking the law made teachers and students have a prejudice view against him
rather than actually getting to know him. I do not believe that Tyler is good at nothing. I think Tyler
has a very good sense of care about the people he loves. Tyler is always helping and caring for Yoda
throughout the story, and is always trying to make situations better.

2.

Although he doesnt seem like a depressed person, Tyler admits to being preoccupied

with death. "Thinking about death relaxed me" (p. 44). Why? In what ways has he died and
been reborn again throughout the story?
Tyler believes that death will relax him because it will take the stress he continues to deal
with daily. One way Tyler was reborn again was after he found out Bethany liked him. Before that,
Tyler found himself in a sticky situation when he had ran into Bethany at the party. At this point,
Tyler thought he was screwed on life and had no chance with anytime. But, after he delivered the
cake, he was reborn again after the loving conversation with Bethany. Secondly, Tyler is reborn again
after the verdict of the party situation. During that, Tyler was dead in the sense of going to school,
and what people thought of him. After it was proved he did not do it, he was reborn again, now
knowing that people will know it wasnt him.

3.

At Tylers high school there is a clear distinction between the popular crowd and

everyone else. Where do you fit in the social scale at your school? In what ways has the status
you hold in your social sphere defined you? In what ways is this role true to who you are? In
what ways is it not?
When is comes to my social scale in Marysville High School, I would consider myself
well-known, but very independant. I keep a lot of my feelings and problems to myself and am not
worried about the drama that circulates around the school. Being an independent person in this
school has allowed me to not lose focus on my grades or sports, and puts a lot less pressure on

myself. This independence has defined me as having a quiet, calm personality type. This role is both
true to who I am, but also a little false. I am a very shy person towards people I know, but once I get
comfortable with someone, my personality may come off as hyper or exciting.

4.

Why does Tyler like Bethany? Were there any signs early on that she might not really

like him the same way he liked her? What do you think is her real attraction to him? Is it true
when his sister Hannah says that it could never have worked out? In your own life, are there
any examples of two very different people who manage to be together despite their apparent
differences?
I believe that Tylers mind was caught to Bethany because of her popularity and beauty. From
the beginning of the book, Tyler was talking about how hot Bethany was and how everyone saw her
as an extremely attractive person, even though Tyler and Bethany were not even friends at the time.
Early on, there were some signs Bethany was not attracted to Tyler. For example, when Tyler
delivered the cake of sorrow to Bethany, Bethany was asking her mom why Tyler showed up, and was
upset about him delivering that to her. Although the conversation between them eased on later,
Bethanys first reactions of Tyler were not the same as Tylers were to Bethany. I do believe Hannah
when she says they would have never worked out. Tyler and Bethanys personality types were not
similar at all, and I do not believe Tyler would be able to handle Bethanys views and decisions on life
forever. In my life, I have indeed seen two people stay together despite their apparent differences.
One couple that managed to stay together consisted of someone whom was a very shy and was not
very outgoing, while their partner had an outgoing, loud personality type.

5.

What do you think of Tylers reaction to Bethanys behavior at the party? How would

you react? Would you be sad? Angry?

I think Tyler not deciding to have sex with Bethany at the party was the correct decision.
However, Tyler seemed to be disappointed that he did not take advantage of the opportunity that he
had. Tyler did seem to be frustrated and upset about how the situation at the party ended up.
However, if I were in Tylers situation, I would be much more furious and angry than Tyler was. I
would feel taken advantage of, and I definitely would have left the party right away, and not have
stayed like Tyler did.

6.

Why do you think Laurie Halse Anderson chose "Twisted" as the title of this novel?

What does it mean in relation to the story?

Laurie Halse Anderson chose the title Twisted to give an overall description of Tylers life
emotionally, mentally, and socially. Throughout the book, Tyler is challenged in making decisions
that ultimately will affect his status throughout the entire school. Tyler has to make decisions while

he is at the party with Bethany, and also on whether he will take his own life. Both of these decisions
cause major emotional, social, and mental problems in Tylers life, making it a twisted matter.

7.

On the surface Tyler seems to disrespect the janitors that he is made to work with as

part of his probation. Yet they act as a sort of conscience and offer support later in the story.
Have you ever gotten help from an unexpected source?
I have indeed gotten help from an unexpected source at a time in my life. An example of this
occurrence is from one of my aunts, who is still currently living in Florida. While my aunt may not
seem like an unexpected source, at the time I had barely known her and who she was. While visiting,
a problem occured within my family, and I was shocked with the support and care that was given to
me from her.

8.

Who has Tyler been trying to be? His father? A loser? A cool guy? Which of these

identities is closest to his true self?

I believe that Tyler is trying to have society see him as a Cool kid. The main reason I believe
this is because of his relationship with Bethany. Tyler did not want to date Bethany based on how
much he loved her, or how much he cared for her, but rather because of how hot and popular she
was. Bethany and Tyler did not share personality traits with one another, and Tyler wanted his social
status to rise due to his relationship with Bethany. I believe the identity of Tyler actually is a cool
kid, but not by the fact that he had a relationship with Bethany.

9.

Laurie Halse Anderson views Tyler Miller as the literary grandson of Willy Loman,

the main character in Arthur Millers play, Death of a Salesmen. What parallels are there
between the two stories?
Between Tyler Miller and Willy Loman, there are many parallels between their personalities
and characteristics. One major comparison is how the two characters have trouble finding their true
identity in the world. Both characters have trouble trying to find the meaning for why they are in the
world, and this affects them emotionally and mentally. Another comparison is their thoughts on
committing suicide. While Willy Loman actually commits suicide and Tyler doesnt, they both had
the same mentality and thoughts.

10. What do you think will happen to the characters in this story in the next year?

I believe that since the verdict came out about the tragedy of the night of the party, society
will respect Tyler a lot more within the next year. I also believe that Tyler in the next year will not

have another girlfriend, and definitely will not be looking for one. Tyler will be focusing more on his
family, and not so much of his popularity status as he did with Bethany. Tylers dad will try and
become family first, but will struggle like usual with his moody attitudes and his lack of caring.
Hannah and Yoda will date, although the Miller family will not be very fond of this, especially Mr.
Miller. Bethany and the Milbury family will continue to be their typical selves, but lay more serious
restrictions with Bethany and her decisions. Bethany will still be looked at as a hot and popular
girl at the High School, even with the outcomes of what happened at the party.