Crossing to Safety

What was Larry’s initial opinion about Sid? What does Larry come to admire about Sid? How does Larry’s opinion of Sid change over the course of the novel?

Why does Larry choose to invent a story about Sid and Charity’s courtship? What is he trying to express about their personalities?

What happens to Larry’s position at the university? How do Larry and Sally react to it? What are the long-term effects of their actions?

Why doesn’t Sid become a poet? What does Larry believe is the case? 

What was Charity’s reaction to Sally contracting polio? How did it affect the Langs’ lives? How does Larry remember these moments?

Notably absent in these recollections is the Second World War, which takes place shortly after the events in Larry’s recollections begin. Why does Larry have so few recollections of this turbulent and important period? What was he and his family doing then, and what does this say about his priorities?

When Larry and Sally are in Italy, he remarks on the feeling that they have “arrived.” What does that mean for them both?

What are the Langs’ individual beliefs on art, and how do they reflect their values? How does this relate to Larry’s view of Sid and Charity’s marriage?