Explain the significance in the grouping of the stories and of the group titles in this collection.

Discuss the significance of the author's choice in using Adams, Colorado. Could the same have been true had Jean Stafford chosen a more urban setting?

Discuss the influence of Jean Stafford's life on her writing.

Do you feel the author has overstated the affects of class distinction? Why do you feel this way?

Discuss the inclusion of Jim Littlefield's story to this collection. Why is this story different than the others, and what does this signify?

In The End of a Career, is there significance in Angelica Early's death?

In the Author's Note, is it important that Jean Stafford mentions her father's writing did not influence her?

The author's choice of women and children as the main characters is significant. Why is that?

Had Jean Stafford been...