Breathing Underwater

How does Nick’s character evolve and change in the novel? What evidence supports Nick’s character growth and transformation? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• When does Nick begin to realize his behavior is abusive?
• How does Nick’s friendship with Leo help Nick identify unhealthy patterns in his own relationship?
• When does Nick begin to take ownership of his actions?
• How does Nick’s reaction to Caitlin’s removal from his school display personal growth?
• What might Nick’s interest in taking a second domestic violence class indicate about his future?
• How does Nick’s approach to his behavior relate to the theme of Fantasy Versus Reality in the Postmodern Novel?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may benefit from using a Venn diagram graphic organizer to describe Nick’s growth. Consider breaking the questions into categories describing people, circumstances, and activities Nick does or experiences to find healing. A digital copy of a three-circle Venn diagram can be found here. Students can analyze Nick’s growth in small groups or individually before discussing it in a larger group setting.

Differentiation Suggestion: Because these questions ask for evidence gathered from throughout the entire novel, English learners, students with dyslexia and other reading differences, and students with attentional and executive function differences may find it challenging to locate evidence quickly and accurately.