Is there one particular point Morante attempts to drive home with the personal stories of her characters? If so, discuss what that point may be, and how the different characters illustrate it.

Is this simply historical fiction, or is it realism? Which factors make it so? Does Morante base her stories on research or imagination?

Does little Useppe die from epilepsy? Is his epilepsy the only reason for his strange imagination and behaviors? Provide documentation to support your opinion.

Morante assigns human characteristics to the two dogs in the story. In the passages where the dogs seem to be communicating, does Morante let the reader assume that this is simply Useppe's imagination? Why, or why not?

Carlo Vivaldi, or Davide Segre, is a tragic character. He is Jewish, but pretends otherwise. What is it that leads to Davide's death? Explore the chain of events...