Topic 1

Why does Carolyn insist on claiming she is not a lesbian even after she has made love to Molly?

Topic 2

How does Brown try to incorporate important historical occurrences during the 1950s and 1960s into her novel? Give examples from the work to support your answer.

Topic 3

Is Molly characteristic of a radical feminist? Why or why not?

Topic 4

Why does Carrie refuse to accept Molly as her child? What sort of child would Carrie prefer? Molly does not cry at Carl’s funeral, yet when she does shed some tears over his death, she chooses to hide them from Florence and Carrie. Why?

Topic 5

Describe Brown’s depiction of the country as a place where Molly feels safe. How and why is that comfort shattered?