Constance Mackenzie's journey of transformation as a character sees her start out as an independent, successful career woman and ends up with her being a happily domestic homemaker. Discuss whether this is a valid portrayal of the way love affects people, or whether its apparent anti-feminism in fact makes this manifestation of love oppressive.

Consider the number of scenes of confrontation that take place in front of fireplaces (see "Objects/Places"). Specifically examine Book one chapter eleven (Allison's confrontation with her beliefs about God), Book two chapter four (Constance's confrontation with Makris),

Book two chapter sixteen (Constance's confrontation with Allison), Book three chapter five (Selena's confrontation with Lucas), and Book three, chapter thirteen, part two (Allison's confrontation with Brad). What is the symbolic value of the fireplaces, and the fires therein, in these confrontations? What thematic connection is there between these confrontations?

In what...