Essay Questions

What are the similarities of Keith and Hugh in the novel The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham?

Keith and Hugo are boys who grew up together in Biloxi in the 1960s, and they had many things in common. For instance, these boys played football together. Keith and Hugo were football stars in the Youth League, and everyone knew them. The other commonality between these friends is that they schooled together, and one could confuse them for being brothers.

What is the main theme in The Boys from Biloxi?

Changing as one ages emerges as the primary theme throughout the text. The novel follows the two boys, Keith Rudy and Hugh Malco, from childhood. The reader acknowledges that as these boys grow, they have many things in common, but it reaches a point when each has to look for his own passion. Keith goes to study law and becomes a lawyer like his father. On the other hand, Hugh decides to work in his father's seedy nightclubs. Consequently, despite these two boys growing together and maintaining their friendships, they pursue different careers like light and darkness. While one becomes a lawyer, the other goes to work in nightclubs funded by his father, a criminal gang leader.

How does the author illustrate the paradox of life in The Boys from Biloxi?

Keith and Hugh's families have known each other for years, and they look forward to building that positive relationship. The least they expect is to find themselves in any confrontation. Paradoxically, one day they come face to face in a court of law. In this case, Keith finds himself in a conflicting situation as a lawyer. After all, he does not know where to stand because he knows both families, but he has to make a wise decision because his work is to ensure that justice prevails.