Compare and contrast how the various characters respond to losses in their lives. Which characters do you think responded the best to their loss?

In "Birds with No Feet," compare and contrast Alec and Wallace. What circumstances led to their lives turning out so differently?

In "The Marburg Sisters," Rose and Bianca try to deal with their pasts in various ways. Discuss their feelings on this and how their opinions change. Do you think it is better to "dwell" on the past or to ignore the past?

From "Ship Fever," discuss what it was like for Irish immigrants who were trying to escape the Great Famine by coming to Canada. What hardships did they likely have to endure?

In "Rare Bird," Sarah Anne feels that her ideas are not taken seriously. Why do you think this is? Back up your answer with examples from...