Each of the four protagonists has their own faith and philosophy develop throughout the novel. Which character’s faith or philosophy changes the most? Are there characters whose faith remains more static? Explain.

Though Lily gains faith in her son’s happiness, she remains an atheist at the end of the novel. How does Lily’s atheism reflect the religious themes and their depictions in the novel?

How are feminist themes tackled in the novel? Compare and contrast Lily’s and Nan’s character arcs and how they reflect these themes and the cultural background of the novel.