1. In "Hitch-hiker" the narrator concludes that Joan is an alien. How and when does he come to his judgment?

Does his attitude change towards her enough as the story unfolds to explain his actions at the conclusion?

2. Both "Blackham's Wimpey" and "Sergeant Nice" have been labelled small masterpieces by some critics.

Why do you think they chose these stories to single out? Do you agree with their judgment?

3. "Blackham's Wimpey," "Fred, Alice, and Aunty Lou," and "Sergeant Nice" all focus on significant relationships between men. What characteristics are common to these relationships, and how do they differ? What influence do the relationships have on the plot, action, and meaning of the stories?

4. Although very few female characters appear in Break of Dark, they are nonetheless presented as distinctive types. What are these types, and what do they lead you to conclude about the writer's...