On Mystic Lake

A defining characteristic of Nick is that he wants to save people. Whom does he attempt and fail to save? What helps him break this cycle of despair over what he deems are his failures?

There are numerous father figures in the novel. Describe each of these and then formulate an argument about what the novel holds as key traits of a good father. In which way do all of these fathers fail?

Many of the mother-daughter relationships in the novel have been thwarted due to death. The only main relationship to survive is between Annie and her daughters. What effects befall those who have lost their mothers? According to the novel, what are some reasons mothers are important in daughters' lives?

Annie changes significantly while she is in Mystic. Describe some of these changes. Some of these are outward changes and some are inward changes. What inward changes do the outward ones represent?

By the end of the novel, Annie starts to take credit for her part in the dissolution of her marriage. What mistakes did both partners make that resulted in divorce?

Nick and Blake are quite different. Compare and contrast these characters, noting most particularly their values.

Annie decides to temporarily leave California when she and Blake separate. How key is this location change for her transformation? Defend your answer.

Izzy believes she is disappearing when the novel opens. She believes that her body parts are disappearing, as well as her voice. Analyze this occurrence from a symbolic as well as a psychological perspective.