Do you believe that people can change? Don tells Rosie that he’s changed “only [his] behavior” (268). How easy or difficult is it for a person to change their behavior? What motivates a person to want to change? Claudia says that changing to meet “another person’s expectations” (246) leads to resentment. Do you agree or disagree? Explain this notion in terms of three different characters in the novel. You may choose from any of these characters: Gene, Claudia, Don, Phil, the Dean, Rosie.

Does Rosie’s acceptance of Don’s proposal make sense? Describe her character and why you believe she would fall in love with and marry Don. Be sure to include each stage of their relationship, and explore the moment in the novel when she begins to see Don as a potential partner.

How does empathy relate to love? Don explains how these concepts are different for him. Do you agree that Don is capable of love? Explain. Be sure to include an explanation of how love and empathy intertwine. You must use examples from Don’s relationships with Daphne, Gene, Claudia, and Rosie.