What does the narrative accomplish by telling the story from multiple points of view? What effect does this give to the novel? How would the story change if it were told from one point of view, such as Sunday’s, Denny’s, or Vivienne’s?

What symbols and motifs in the novel relate to the Brennans’ Irish Catholic culture? How does religion affect their lives, whether they are practicing Catholics or not?

How do characters outside the Brennan family see the Brennans? Are their opinions justified? Use evidence from the text to support your response.