Examine representations of parents and parenthood throughout the novel. How do the characters talk about parenting? What expectations do they have for themselves and others, and what do those expectations say about larger social and cultural perspectives?

Analyze the significance of performance in the novel. How do characters perform different social roles? What makes these performances successful or not? What is at stake when a performance fails?

The novel frequently refers to social, economic, or political events outside the immediate concern of the narrative (for example, the newspaper strike and the Pope’s visit to New York). Choose one such event and analyze its thematic significance in the novel.