Consider Kathy and Annie. Describe the main characteristics of each woman and then compare and contrast them. Be sure to focus on their respective relationships with Nick.

A defining characteristic of Nick is that he wants to save people. Whom does he attempt and fail to save? What helps him break this cycle of despair over what he deems are his failures?

There are numerous father figures in the novel. Describe each of these and then formulate an argument about what the novel holds as key traits of a good father. In which way do all of these fathers fail?