Define neglect. Was Jeannette neglected as a child? If so, how was she neglected? Did the parents neglect their children on purpose? Why did Jeannette's parents treat her and her siblings in this way?

Discuss sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is mentioned several times throughout the novel. How many instances can you remember? Did sexual abuse have anything to do with Rex's alcoholism? If so, how? Was Jeannette ever sexually abused? How? By whom?

Why does Jeannette's mother behave the way she does? Why does Jeannette's mother rebel so much against her own mother? Why does Jeannette's mother not want to work to support the family? Why does Jeannette's mother have such a hard time disciplining her children and the children she teaches?

Why does Jeannette's father drink? Did the death of their second child have anything to do with his behavior? What about his...