Discuss Dennis's decision to lie to Billy about Eva. The decision shapes the events of the novel. In which ways would things have been different if Dennis had told Billy the truth? Should Dennis have lied? Does it matter that Dennis's intentions were honorable?

Discuss Billy's alcoholism. In several places in the book it is debated whether Billy would have been an alcoholic if not for his belief that Eva had died. Others believe that Billy had a disease, which is an accepted theory today. What do you believe? Could the truth have changed the course of Billy's life?

Compare and contrast Sheila's two marriages and Billy's marriage to Maeve. How are they similar? Are their differences? Is what Sheila and Billy did to their spouses morally wrong?

Discuss the idea of morality in this novel. What Eva did to Billy is seen as...