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1. Discuss the conversation Ruth and Amanda have as the novel opens.

Ruth has a discussion with Amanda as the novel opens about drowning. Ruth insists that she has drowned at some time in her life, but Amanda denies this. Amanda tells Ruth it is impossible that she drowned, but Amanda then admits to the reader that she has consistently lied to Ruth about her drowning.

2. What happens on March 27, 1919?

On March 27, 1919, Amanda agrees to take time off from work. Amanda is a nurse in a hospital in Milwaukee. She becomes too nauseous, tired, and uncoordinated to function. She then takes time away from work in order to gain control of her life.

3. Why does Amanda go to live with Mathilda?

Amanda decides to go and live with Mathilda when she takes time away from work. Mathilda welcomes Amanda who lives with her daughter Ruth and her husband Carl at this time. While Amanda stays with them, she helps take care of Mathilda and Ruth, while Carl recuperates from a war wound that he got while in France.

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