Although it has broad appeal, "The Lovely Leave" may be of particular interest to women who are, or have been, married to soldiers, or to men who were soldiers with women left behind. Some background history regarding women on the home front during World War II may offer some useful points of departure in discussing the story.

1. Retell (or rewrite) "The Lovely Leave" from Steve McVicker's point of view. How would he explain his behavior?

2. Do you find Steve's preoccupation with his soldiering convincing? Why does he not use his hour to make love with his wife?

3. Imagine your spouse is a soldier, and you have to write to him or her a letter according to the rules that Mimi must follow. What would you say?

4. Which character has the largest claim to your sympathy?

5. Is another, different kind of ending possible for this story? What...