Cristabel states, “I don’t believe parents are always necessary” (358). Analyze the various ways in which the childhoods of the Seagrave children and Leon Kovalsky are defined by a conspicuous lack of parenting.

References to Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, occur repeatedly in the text. What does the story mean to Cristabel, and how does it influence her life?

Explain why Cristabel is so eager for her “brother” to be born. In what ways does Digby meet Cristabel’s expectations? How does he diverge from them?