1. The novel opens with an unusually early snowfall. What basic theme, later emphasized by Dobry's grandfather, do the snowflakes introduce?

2. Early in the novel, Dobry goes out late at night and gathers tomatoes for his grandfather and himself. He also brings back an owl feather for his grandfather. But he makes himself sick by eating his share of the tomatoes that night. What do these actions reveal about Dobry's personality at that time?

3. Dobry frequently sings the gypsy song "na lay" ("Only now this moment lives"). How do his actions and those of the other characters illustrate this theme?

4. The narrative describes Dobry's mother as patient, intense, and strong.

She refuses to consider a second marriage because she has devoted herself to her son and her fields. What do these fields represent to her? Why is she so unhappy about Dobry's continuing interest in...