1. Blossom says she is someone who lives by her own rules (Chapter 1). She never tells us exactly what these rules are, but we may be able to guess on the basis of her own behavior and her opinions about others' behavior. What seem to be the rules that Blossom lives by?

2. Discuss Blossom's reactions to what she sees in 1984. What sort of general criticism of modern life might Peck be expressing through these reactions of a girl from an earlier time?

3. Who are the conformists and who are the nonconformists in Peck's novel?

What are the chief characteristics displayed by the conformists? What characteristics describe the nonconformists?

4. Blossom's friend, Alex Armsworth, comes from the high society of Bluff City, shuns Blossom's friendship, and seems to be a committed conformist.

Why then does Blossom care about him? What redeeming characteristics does he possess?

5. Discuss your...