Turtles All the Way Down

A successful analysis of a character should consider social class, and this novel offers characters that come from a range of different socioeconomic statuses. How does each of the main characters—Aza, Daisy, Davis, and Aza’s mom—show the influence of their Socioeconomic Status in their choices, actions, and interactions with one other? How does money, or a lack of money, affect their lives? Consider these points as you reflect on your answers.

• Why does Davis give money to Aza and Daisy? In what ways does the new wealth affect Daisy and Aza differently?
• How does Daisy’s family’s social class impact her daily life?
• How does Davis feel about his money?
• What plans does Aza make for her money?
• How does social class cause conflict between Daisy and Aza?
• Is Aza’s socioeconomic status different from her mom’s?

Teaching Suggestion: In addition to revisiting scenes where characters directly discuss money, teachers could also discuss the ways that the author shows the effects of wealth indirectly, rather than directly telling the readers about them. In Chapter 2, for instance, Daisy waits for a ride home with Aza; in Chapter 3, the reader sees her in a Chuck E. Cheese work uniform. These details reveal that her lack of money presents hardships that other characters do not have to face and affect the way she behaves.