Discuss the willingness of Eddie to give his life twice to save a child. Do you know instances where one person has sacrificed his or her life to save another? Parents sometimes give up careers and things they enjoy doing in order to care for their children. Is this the same thing? Discuss.

Eddie hates his father. Discuss the effects of hatred on the lives of people. Do you agree that it is a curved blade? What can one do about self-destructive hatred that is justified as it is in Eddie's case?

Why do some abused children become stronger because of abuse, as Eddie did, and why are some weakened or even destroyed by it? Discuss.

Eddie and Marguerite fall in love when they are young, and yet their love endures and overcomes serious difficulties. How important is young love to the sustaining of...