1. How does Tom's system of thous and its manifest itself in his daily life? To what extent do Hillary and Andy adopt it for themselves? Is it a practical way of living life? How might his system run into conflict with Pemberton society and the world at large?

2. Is Tom a saint, a madman, or a criminal? Is there a way of being one without the other? Does his status change through the course of the novel? What is it about Tom's 'absolutes' that attracts Andy? How do absolutes frighten her and threaten her world?

3. The men of Goat's Creek tell Andy, "we believe that you have gifts we would like to add to our arsenal, if you will." What gifts do you think they are referring to? What role does she play in the eventual cleansing of the woods? What role do the woods play in the cleansing of her life?