What role do family celebrations play in your life? What events does your family celebrate? How do you react to those celebrations? What do those celebrations mean to you?

In Chapters 3 and 4, the author includes several images and phrases that metaphorically evoke Rebecca's state of mind. Discuss how each of these quotes reflects Rebecca's experience and/or situation.

How does your past affect your present? How do your memories and past dreams affect your reactions to, and the intentions for, your present and future?

Who in Rebecca's life do you think the boy in the dream represents? What aspect of her life does her joy in him represent?

In what way does the quote from Robert E. Lee reflect and/or illuminate both the work's thematic considerations and the journey of transformation undergone by Rebecca?

What do you think the decrepit state of the...