Compare and contrast Belle Prater and Amos Leemaster. What are their similarities? What are their differences? How are these characteristics portrayed in the novel? What do their actions in the novel say about them as parents, and as human beings? Do you blame them for their abandonment of their families? Why or why not?

Gypsy's relationship with Porter Dotson changes throughout the novel. How does this relationship change, and why? Why does Gypsy treat Porter as she does in the beginning of the novel? How does Porter react, and why? What changes Gypsy's feelings about Porter? What does Porter mean in the novel when he says Gypsy isn't ugly or evil, but is simply wounded? Why does this strike such a chord with Gypsy? What does this show about Porter's understanding of his stepdaughter's plight?

Based on information gleaned throughout the novel, describe the...