Jackaby is initially hesitant to hire Abigail but ultimately changes his mind. Why do you think he made this decision? Do you feel the two are compatible together?

Abigail was locked out of her dream profession because of the gender constraints of her time. How have attitudes towards women changed in our own time, and how have they stayed the same?

Charlie assures Jackaby that he’s “always in control” (197); however, later he succumbs to his condition in front of everyone. How could Charlie’s internal battle be a metaphor for other human struggles, such as mental illness or addiction?