Consider the cycles or parallels between early events and later events. Some of these are in the form of the novel itself and some are in the narrative events. What does Henry accomplish with these structures?

The novel frequently mentions Olivia experiencing a “doubling” of her experience with the present and her memories of the past. What does this suggest about the way Olivia is processing her return to Medford?

Olivia is concerned about the way a public image is used to conceal a private truth. At the same time, she doesn’t seem aware of how she’s using that same process herself. What is she protecting herself from? What would happen if the image were to drop away suddenly?