How do marbles figure in the story, both in terms of character development and symbolism?

How does Carl develop as a character as he becomes a reality in the story, rather than as seen in other's reflections on him? What are his good and bad points as a husband and father? Is he, as he fears, a coward?

How do works of literature color the novel? Is more intended by citing them than is intended by other historical details like the draft, the pandemic, or Prohibition?

How would you have handled preventing Arthur and Imogene's incestuous marriage? What are the good and bad points of Amanda's solution? How would your method be better?

How does having to care for Mathilda as a baby shape Amanda's own development?

The novel regularly includes humorous incidents. What is your favorite and how does it affect characterization and...