Although Josiah Crowley is already deceased when the novel begins, he has a central role in the story. Describe his character. Which aspects of his character later complicate the lives of others? Discuss the ways that Josiah acts as a plot device to move the story forward.

Nancy’s convertible is far more than a means of transportation. What does the car symbolize? How does it advance the plot?

Multiple characters in the novel exhibit greed. Give some examples of this behavior. How do these self-serving impulses end up costing the characters in the end?