How might Mitch’s experience have been different if the novel were set in modern times? How would changes in technology have made Mitch’s experience better or worse? Or both? In what ways? Use passages from the text to support your answer.

What are the reasons Mitch reconsiders Bendini, Lambert & Locke? How much impact does the financial package have on Mitch and Abby’s decision to choose the firm? What motivations did they both have to ignore the red flags that came up before they moved to Memphis?

How does the firm treat the associates’ wives? Would the treatment of the associates’ wives be considered appropriate today? Why is there an emphasis on beginning a family? How does this tactic help and hurt the firm? How would the pressure to start a family be received in modern times?