Topic 1

Discuss the setting for the novel. Why is a farm in Iowa so important to the Cook family?

Topic 2

Discuss Ginny. Did she purposefully try to take control away from her father? What were her motivations? What changed after she found out that Larry raped her?

Topic 3

Discuss Rose. What drove Rose to ruin her father? Why did she carry the anger with her for so many years? Did Rose manipulate Ginny?

Topic 4

The novel deals with the issue of the effects of capitalism on American families. Does the text portray capitalism in a negative or positive light? Why?

Topic 5

What feminist tones does the novel take? What causes Ginny to grow in self-confidence? Why was she such a passive character?

Topic 6

What ecological tones does the novel have? Why did the author include these in the novel? Describe three moments in the novel that show...