Who is Dixon? Why does he want the job at the University? What marks the difference between Dixon's attitude and that of the other professors at the school? Why? Why does Dixon teach a subject he does not like? Why would he want to continue in this pursuit? What other job opportunities does Dixon have?

Who is Bertrand? Why does Dixon dislike him? Why is Bertrand so unpleasant to Dixon? Why does Bertrand look down on Dixon? What does Bertrand do for a living? Is he good at it? What job does Bertrand want? Who eventually gets the job? Why?

Who is Christine? Why is Christine unpleasant when she first meets Dixon? Why does she change her attitude? Why does Christine help Dixon with the burned sheets? Does she tell the Welch's about the sheets? Why or why not? Why is Christine attempting to...