Discuss the ways in which traditional, happily-ever-after, fairy tale romances are simultaneously celebrated and satirized throughout this novel. Consider not only the central relationship between Leigh-Cheri and Bernard, but also characters such as Prince Charming, Gulietta, Tilli, Max and A'ben as well as fairy tales other than Sleeping Beauty - what elements, if any, are there of tales like Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty or Beauty and the Beast?

Consider the various appearances of the blackberry bushes. Discuss the various ways in which they represent pain and/or imprisonment, and not just for Leigh-Cheri. How do other characters relate to them? If they walk through them easily, if they are hurt by them, if they are a trial or if they're not, what does it mean for the blackberries' overall symbolic value?

Consider the thematic question of the power of choice, and in...