Essay Questions

Describe how various characters in the novel reacted to their difficulties.

The characters in the novel are faced with many problems in their lives. However, they all react or mitigate these problems differently. Two characters Mary Ann and Deedee are adversely affected or threatened by the events that are negative that they resolve to unorthodox measures to ensure their peace.

Mary Ann worked at Falycon Communications company. One day, a workmate slaughtered himself at work. This affects Mary Ann to the point where she starts taking marijuana to numb the shock.

Deedee has an affair and she gets pregnant. A reporter investigated the affair and wanted to expose her. DeeDee had an affair with the reporter in order to avoid exposure.

Describe the theme of love in the novel.

In the novel, love is an emotion which many characters have. This is either with another person or an animal or a non-living thing. The characters show this emotion differently.

Mrs. Madrigal is the landlady to various tenants who include Mary Ann. She shows her love for them by throwing for them birthday parties like the one she threw for Mary Ann's birthday. Frannie loved her daughter DeeDee and when she(Deedee) ran away from home, her mother looked for her frantically. Prue loved her dog and when the dog went missing, she risked her life by looking for the dog in the woods.

Show the value of friendship to the characters in the novel.

Most of the characters in the novel invested in good friendships . The friends that they had helped them make good decisions and comforted them.

Frannie and Emma were great friends since Emma had worked in Frannie's house for a long time. They offered companionship to each other since Frannie's daughter had left her and she (Frannie) lived with Emma. Brian and Michael are great friends who console and advice each other. Mrs. Madigral and her tenants are great friends such that they celebrate each other. They threw a party for Mary Ann's thirtieth birthday.