Explore the definition of gender in the novel. Is gender an authentic distinction, a social convention, or an accident of biology. Is Neil Adam Armon right when he says, “Gender is a shell game. What is a man? Whatever a woman isn’t. What is a woman? Whatever a man is not”?

Research frame narratives. Why put the frame in at all? What is gained or lost by introducing the interplay between the male historian and the female editor?

Compare and contrast Roxy with and without the skein. Which character is more powerful?