Goldie seems to be rushing Theo out of the vicinity of the building. If you get that sense, too, explain why you think that's so.
Mrs. Barbour air-kisses Theo when he is leaving. While she appears cold and uncaring by doing this, Theo notes that it's the first time she has expressed this kind of affection towards him. Looking at this scene, what do you think her behavior suggests?
Theo's father gives him champagne and, later, some anxiety medication (not named at this point, but potent, nonetheless). What does this show us about the father? What does it show us about Theo, considering that he took and liked both?
What does Xandra's treatment of the dog tell you about her?
Given what you know about their lifestyle thus far, what type of life are Xandra and Theo's father leading in Las Vegas? Where are they on the socioeconomic ladder? How do their gambling habits show this? Their self-medicating habits? The hushed phone calls?
Theo mentions that the other Honors English class is reading Great Expectations. Find a synopsis of that novel (SparkNotes) and see how that story lines up with the story of Theo so far. His class is reading Walden instead. Why that book? Why does Tartt use these allusions?
What is it about Boris that makes him the perfect friend for Theo now that he is in Vegas? What do you think Boris enjoys about Theo's presence?
Boris, who had picked pockets in the past, is quick to scold Theo (and adamant) about his plan to steal from drunken tourists. What is his situational morality here? Why is he so against it, calling Theo a "bad citizen"?
Theo's father acted really weird about the first letter Hobie sent. Why do you think he acted so oddly? What might he be expecting from New York?
Theo finds a lot of Boris's life interesting, but some of the stuff Boris has experienced is just plain foreign to Theo (forgive the pun), and a lot of it Theo finds to be just plain disturbing. What do you find disturbing about Boris's life, both past and present?
There is a subtle shift in the relationship between Theo and Xandra at Thanksgiving. What accounts for the change? How long do you think she'll endure Theo?
Another allusion...is there significance to the author's choice of including Wind, Sand and Stars, by Saint-Exupery? Do some research and check it out.
What is The Idiot about? How does this allusion fit in?
Is Boris right...that Theo's dad is not such a bad guy? Or is Theo right...his father just can't be trusted? Explain your thoughts.