The story really concerns Devin’s coming-of-age, but Annie undergoes a delayed coming-of-age as well. Discuss the themes and symbols in the story from Annie’s point of view.

Compare the hard-boiled detective elements of Joyland with some examples that might be more typical of the detective genre, like the work of Dashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler.

Mr. Easterbrook tells the new hires that they have the privilege of selling happiness. Discuss the theme of selling happiness. Is there irony in the idea? Can happiness actually be bought and sold?