Godwin's "Dream Children" examines themes of marriage, self-definition, and loss.

1. Taking into account its subject matter and Godwin's handling of the narrative structure, were you particularly affected emotionally by "Dream Children"? If so, explain.

2. Was the ending of the story, with its rhetorical question about Mrs. McNair's happiness, effective in "wrapping up" the story of her life? Comment either way, or both ways.

3. What in your opinion is the purpose of all the italicized passages throughout the story? Who is saying or thinking those things? How do they fit into the major part of the story, which is not in italics but in plain text?

4. In your view, was Mrs. McNair really trying to kill herself and make it look like an accident, by racing her stallion so recklessly?

5. Even taking into account the emotional needs of a bereft, would-be mother like Mrs. McNair, how convincing...