Frank seems to be constantly sinning; yet at the end of the book he is redeemed and changed. Is it possible for people to change this radically in their lives? Explore Frank's process of redemption and cite other similar changes from literature and from observation in your life.

Helen rejects Frank because she feels vaguely uneasy. Is this because she knows something about him or is it because she imbibes her mother's Jewish prejudices? Discuss Helen's evolution toward loving Frank, including the inference at the end of the book that she will accept him.

Discuss the nature of sex as revealed in this novel.

Morris Bober appears as almost an archetypal sage in this novel. He discusses the nature of Judaism and religion generally as something far greater than simple observance. With examples from the novel, explore Morris' character as a philosopher and sage.