Who is Thomas Small? Why is he traveling to Ohio in the first chapter? What does he read on his father's desk that his father expressly asks him not to read? What does Thomas learn that he believes his father is attempting to hide? Does this information affect Thomas' anticipation of reaching his final destination in Ohio? If so, how?

What does Mr. Small do for a living? How does this profession lead Mr. Small to move his family to Ohio? What comes first, the job or the house? Why is Mr. Small so interested in the house of Dies Drear? Does his family support his interest? For what reason? What is Mr. Small leaving behind in North Carolina? How does this influence his future choices?

Who is Dies Drear? Why is Thomas so fascinated by him? What does Dies Drear do during his...