Consider the quotes from the recipes included in the summary. In what ways can they be seen as reflecting and/or commenting on events in the narrative? Consider particularly the quotes from pp. 49, 60, 140, and the end of chapter six.

Research the meaning of the word "perfidy". In what way does the word reflect the character and function of Miss Perfidy? In what way does the name reflect thematic and/or metaphoric aspects of the novel?

What do you think is the metaphoric meaning of "The Girl on the Red Swing" (the object, not the restaurant)? In what ways might, for example, the girl and her situation represent Primrose and hers?

Discuss the metaphoric value of Primrose's sweaters - the fact that they were made by her mother, the fact that she makes a particular effort to keep them "safe", the fact that they disappear...