Essay Questions

Describe the effects of climate change in the novel

In the novel, the narrator and other characters are affected by climate change. Most of them are anxious of the more drastic changes that would come in the future as a result of climate change. Some of the effects shown in the novel are described below.

The narrator, Lizzie notices that the number of birds had reduced in the area. This is because of the weather that was not conducive to birds. The characters fear that in the future, the temperature of New York City will be dramatically high.

Show how Lizzie is a good parent to her son

Lizzie had a good parenting style. She is often worried that she will fail. However, she strives her best to raise her son properly. This is in contrast to her brother, Henry who is always anxious and worried that he will make a mistake that will result in harming his daughter.

Lizzie teaches her son about life and this adds into his knowledge. She also spends a lot of time with him playing monopoly and other indoor games. This is helpful for it allows them time to bond.

Show the changes from traditional norms illustrated in the novel

In the novel, the characters break away from traditional norms in their day to day life. These changes include parenting, marriage and technology.

Traditionally, the woman raises the newborn. The mother often takes maternity leave to take care of the newborn in the first six months of a child's life. However in the novel, Catherine goes back to work a month after delivery and her husband Henry takes care of their newborn.

It is also traditional that a man proposes to a woman he intends to marry. However in the novel, Catherine proposed to to Henry and he agreed to marry her.