1. How is Charlie a living representative of the era during which the story is set—the early 1930s? Offer examples from the text.
2. To what degree is Charlie ready, or not ready, to put the “bad old days” firmly behind him, for the sake of having his daughter returned to his care? Explain.
3. Using this story as a lens through which to view the human experience of love, is there any cause for hope? Explain.
4. Identify two quotes (no more than three sentences each) that might serve as the story’s primary theme; explicate them—that is, take them apart and explain how they work and what they mean.
5. Which character do you believe is more worthy of trust—Charlie or his sister-in-law, Marion. Explain.
