Interpretive Questions about "She Wasn't Soft"

1. Did Jason mean to give the drugged drink to Paula?
2. Do you think Paula was obsessed with racing and defeating Zinny Bauer and in effect ruined her relationship with Jason?
3. Did Paula really love Jason? If not, why was she even going out with him then? She obviously spent much of her time training, so why deal with a boyfriend she does not love?
4. Did Jason need Paula more than Paula needed him?
5. What message do you think Boyle was conveying through this story? Why did he write it?
6. Why did Jason give the drugged drink to Paula? What was his motive?
7. Was this a story about a relationship and the separate individuals or a story about grace? If grace, then what were the moments of grace and who experienced grace?
8. Do you think Jason's intentions when confronting Zinny with Paula at the restaurant were good or bad?
9. Do you think Jason is a selfish character and is only in this relationship with Paula for selfish reasons?
10. Are you glad Paula was drugged and therefore, lost the race? Did she get what she deserved?