Analyze David’s relationships with Matilda, Dora, and Anna. How does the early loss of his mother affect his relationships with women? What does this say about his traditions and loss of traditions?

How does the setting of the Catskills affect David’s mindset when meeting Anna and considering his engagement to Fanny? How does it contrast with other settings in the novel?

David narrates his story from a future perspective. How does this narrative choice affect the way he frames his choices? Can one be a reliable narrator of one’s past? What does the novel suggest?