What role does time play in the story? How is time different when measured with a clock or with the tides?

Why did Joan need to be alone? Why did she not follow her husband and continue living her life as before?

Joan realized that she could still learn new things later in life. What are some experiences that are better suited to later years in life? What experiences should only be done in youth?

What role did nature and the sea have on Joan's personal journey? How is nature a symbol for her life?

What did Joan and her husband learn about themselves and their marriage? How did they manage to save their marriage?

What did Joan learn from the seals? Have you ever learned a lesson from animals?

What do Joan's different jobs say about who she was becoming? Do you think...