Compare and contrast Elliott’s and Mark’s character arcs. How are they characterized at the beginning of the novel? How do they change by the end? What do their character arcs have in common?

Identify the moral lessons Gillian McDunn incorporates into the story. What didactic techniques does McDunn use?

Examine Griffin Connor and his role in the text. Why does Elliott cleave to Griffin Connor’s influence? How do his views on the chef change over the course of the novel?