The Lovely Bones Lesson Plan

Do you think Abigail is a bad person for leaving her family? Do you understand why she did? Explain.

Abigail does not feel fulfilled in her role as a mother, which has taken over her entire personality and life. She felt this even before Susie was killed. Dealing with the grief of losing Susie is painful for Abigail, and she copes by escaping. First, she tries to escape her family life as she knows it by having an affair with Len. When that doesn't work, she packs up and leaves her family behind. While this choice may not be the best one, most students may be able to empathize with Abigail in some way, or at least understand her motives. It seems like leaving is the...