How does Heda nature serve as a refuge for Heda? How does Kovály use nature imagery to convey emotions and ideas in the text? Does such imagery take on different meanings in different circumstances?

How does Heda find contradictions and ironies in the actions of the Czech Communist Party? What aspects of her character lead her to notice these contradictions when others—including her more idealistic husband—do not?

Heda often experiences intense isolation from her community. Locate three of these moments and discuss her circumstances. How does isolation negatively impact Heda? Does isolation ever aid her?