Mattie was close to Jack and is devastated by her father’s death. How does Shreve use the character of Mattie to explore the grieving process? How does her grieving contrast with Kathryn’s? Does Shreve suggest that one is healthier? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Throughout the novel, Jack keeps a variety of secrets from Kathryn. Why does Jack go to such great lengths to keep secrets from Kathryn, even small and innocuous ones? How does Shreve foreshadow and plant the seeds of Jack’s having a second family?

When Robert is telling Kathryn about the cockpit recording, he reminds her, “Even one phrase different, [...] and the whole tape could mean something else” (179). How does the novel explore shifting perspectives? How do shifting perspectives connect to the deeper meaning of the novel?