One of the most interesting facets of collections, whether it is a collection of poetry, short stories, novellas, or anything else, is not only being able to deal with each story in isolation, but also finding intersections among the pieces of the collection.

Millhauser uses many of the same themes, motifs, and types of description throughout his fiction. He returns to the fantastic again and again, but always places it in a very particular context, and it is through his very particular lens that images of societies begin to emerge.

1. What are some motifs that run throughout all three novellas?

2. The relation of art to society is very important in all three of these stories.

What are some ways that art intersects with our society and in our daily lives?

What are the similarities between those ways and these stories?

3. What is the significance of Franklin's...