How much do you think of your life, its events and circumstances, have been predetermined by God's will? How much is the result of your own choices?

Consider and discuss the importance of names in the narrative - Caleb's philosophy about names (chapter five), the names of the various characters, particularly the Puritan ones (i.e., Makepeace, Solace), and Bethia's reaction to having two different names. In what ways are the names given to the various characters appropriate? In what ways are they ironic? How does the use of names reflect and/or manifest the narrative's thematic interest in questions of identity?

Discuss the concepts of sin and redemption. Do you think it's possible for the after effects of "sin" (i.e., spiritual suffering and/or punishment) to be felt long after the actual, so-called transgression ? Or do you think of sin as simply...