Jacob struggles morally many times in the story. However, he’s not particularly religious. Why is he repeatedly drawn to church and confession?

Who is the villain of the story: August, with his sociopathic cruelty, or Al, with his destructive pride? What does the relationship between these two characters say about the nature of hierarchies of abuse?

Marlena is a flat character for most of the narrative. What causes her stagnation? Why is this a significant element of the novel?