The historical context of the story offers insight into the international fallout from World War I. Before reading the letters, does the protagonist seem aware of the trauma that people like Aunt Mary and her lover experienced? Why or why not?

The protagonist feels significant guilt over reading Aunt Mary’s letters. What does this guilt stem from? Would he have still felt guilty if he had not been caught?

What role does the protagonist’s mother play in the story? How does MacLaverty characterize her, and why is this important?