Describe Patrick’s lifestyle and behavior at the beginning of the novel. Contrast this with his attitude by the end of the book. What do you think is responsible for the change in him? What lessons does he learn over the course of the story?

What does Veronica’s locket signify to her? What does its shape symbolize? What are its contents? Does this symbolism change by the end of the story? If so, why?

Patrick and Veronica have distinctly different ways of coping with loss. Compare and contrast their strategies. Do you think one method is better than the other?