2. At the fish cannery, Hagar seeks shelter in the small watchman's house. She comments it does not have any paint, a fact that would annoy Marvin. Why would that annoy Marvin?

3. What are the results of Hagar's stomach x-rays?

4. What is the name of the man Hagar thinks she recognizes at the small summer house?

5. What does Hagar sell to Lottie Telford for cash?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Hagar's name significant?

2. Hagar is obviously unwilling to give in to death. How is that seen in Chapter 3?

3. What purpose does Doris serve and how is she contrasted against Hagar?

4. In Chapter 2, Hagar's father reaches out his hand to her with heartfelt emotion. However, she rejects him both times. Why do you think that is?

5. Why do you think Hagar tells her employer, Mr. Oatley, her husband died?

6. How is Hagar's wild and headstrong nature depicted in Chapter 2?

7. When Hagar is looking back on her life, in Chapter 3, do you think she has any regrets?

8. In Chapter 1, how does Hagar see herself?

9. Do you think Hagar's feelings about going to the nursing home are similar to other elderly people? Why or why not?

10. How does Hagar see John's character flaws? How does this compare her to the stone angel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The stone angel in the cemetery is very symbolic throughout the novel.

Part 1) Describe the stone angel's significance in the cemetery?

Part 2) It has been carved without eyeballs, why is that important?

Part 3) How is Hagar like the stone angel at the beginning of the novel and at the end?

Essay Topic 2

It is said that pride is Hagar's downfall. Site several examples. Was she prideful in her dress, speech, and/or attitude? How did she treat the people around her?