What made the Nolans decide to come to America? Whose idea was it? What was the opinion of each of the family members? Was it a wise decision?

Examine the process at Ellis Island. What does each person have to go through to be admitted to the US? What happens with the Nolan family? What is the solution?

Discuss what might have happened if Michael and Joseph had stayed. How do you think the family would have fared? Would Margaret still want to return to Limerick?

Elsa, Trudy and Hildegarde are painted as villains regarding their treatment of the immigrant cousins. Examine the story from their point of view.

Discuss the presence and formation of unions in the early 1900s. Examine the strikes discussed by Gussie. How did the strikes affect the workers?

Examine the tragedy at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. What do you...