The tree house almost takes on a personality of its own as the novella extends. Discuss the characteristics and symbolism of this important element.

Talk about the importance of the tree house to each of the main characters, and how each one is changed by the experience of living there for a few days.

Each of the characters is looking for love in the book. Discuss what love means to each one of them and whether or not they have found it or will ever find it.

Dolly is much more passive than her domineering sister Verena but ultimately emerges as the strongest character in the book. What is it about Dolly's character that transcends all the others?

Capote is famous for writing about lessons learned in small Southern towns, parallel to his own childhood. What makes this story Southern? Could the same messages...