ZIGZAG: Discussion Questions

• Application: What is the significance of the title, ZIGZAG? Aside from the obvious connection he makes in Prolog You Won’t Want to Skip, what have you noticed throughout the novel in connection with the title?
- Romano throws in the title often using the verb “zigzagging” in its place, in the majority of the chapters throughout this narrative. Not only is it a good literary device called repetition, but, it reinforces this thought in the readers heads. I would like to believe one purpose of the title is to show and help readers who are aspiring writers and teachers that you will come to many challenges and triumphs alike.

• Analysis: What do you feel was the purpose of the chapter “Church Teaching, Church Learning?”
- The chapter was about going to Sunday school and Catechism. Romano hated the two and would avoid as much as possible. Although, he does mention in the chapter that these two made him a thinker. Not the bible verses or the lectures from Reverend Holcomb, but the chatter on baptisms. He questions many aspects of the church, disbelieving that his father was not I heaven according to Lutheran rules. This lack of faith in religion leaves room for his true passion- literature.

• Evaluation: Romano attended college at Miami of Ohio. During this time, he drops classes, switches majors, and struggles with grades all in the first semester. Assess or justify these occurrences (which many college students face) and how as future teachers, you can be attentive enough to help such circumstances.
- As high school teachers it is important to see each student for their true potential. It is good to push and shove their minds and show them what to expect for higher education. Teach them study skills that many students go without when entering into college. As professors, try not to discourage students, as Romano’s Italian teacher did.