Who does the novel frame as its intended audience? What knowledge does it assume on the part of the reader? How does this make an “in-group” or “outsider” category, and for whom?

What does the novel suggest can be learned from previous generations (i.e., grandparents or great-grandparents) that cannot be learned from parents? What does it suggest is the reason for this difference?

Is the novel’s ending optimistic or pessimistic? Use examples from the interludes to tie your argument in with the text’s view of history.