Was Nel careless and self-interested, or was she a decent but misunderstood person?

Much of Into the Water addresses relationships between men and women. What does Hawkins suggest about these relationships and gender roles in modern society?

Each of the “good men” in the novel—Patrick, Sean, Mark, and Robbie—has his own self-narrative to justifying his actions. How does each of the men defend his behavior? Why do they all believe their actions are justified? Do any of them feel guilty?