Discuss the theme of fantasy versus reality throughout the novel. What symbols and imagery does the author include to blur the line between fact and fiction?

Explore the theme of families. How does the Johnson family contrast the Shields family? Why is Janie so reluctant to contact the Spring family?

Discuss Janie's conflict with her past and her present. How does Janie try to deny her past, and how does she view her present? How might Janie's past influence her future?

Explain the significance of the color white as it appears throughout the novel. Include examples from the text and relate them to Janie's experiences.

Discuss the theme of adolescence versus adulthood. How does Janie differ from her other friends? What role does Janie's relationship with Reeve play in this theme?

Explore the literary devices used in the novel. How would the novel change if...