Lisa’s key realization is the value of thinking through problems carefully in order to arrive at solutions. What are some examples of Lisa or others putting this into practice? Is she ever unsuccessful? How does she respond to failure?

An important tension in the novel is that of individualism versus collectivism. While the novel generally argues in favor of individualist principles, the relationship between these is often complicated. In what ways do these two values conflict or overlap with one another throughout the novel?

Lisa argues quite forcefully for the value of earning one’s own way through life. From whom does she face opposition on this point? What values do they hold, and to what extent might their perspective be valuable?