How does Molly Thorn’s I Cheerfully Refuse help Rainy process his grief over Lark’s death? Why might Enger have chosen it as the title of the novel? Use textual evidence to illustrate.

Research the Greek mythological figure Orpheus. In what ways does the myth of Orpheus influence Rainy’s character and journey across Lake Superior?

The novel contains many secondary antagonists. Both King Richard and Papa Griff are supposed guardians of Sol. Compare and contrast their roles as guardians with that of Rainy.