For the book the boy's life by Tobias Wolff :
1. Analyze the relationship between Toby and his mother. Is Rosemary responsible for at least some of Toby’s failures?
2. Discuss the impact of Rosemary’s relationship with Roy on Toby. To what extent does Roy serve as a substitute father figure for Toby?
3. What do Toby’s various activities and friendships in Seattle suggest about the issues that need to be resolved in his life?
4. Do you agree with Marian’s assessment that Toby needs a father in the “worst way” and that Rosemary should marry Dwight?