1. Medlicott sees Grace, Hannah, and Amelia as heroines, taking risks and forging new lives. Do you agree with her? What is your concept of a heroine?

2. What does sitting on a porch having tea symbolize to you?

3. Amelia puts her beau Lance before everyone else. Do you find that this is a familiar pattern with your women friends? Do you believe that older men throw everything over for a woman?

4. How did you feel about the marriage of Lurina and Old Man? Were you surprised, at their advanced ages, that they would want to wed?

5. Grace loves both her son Roger and his steady companion, Charles. Do you admire Grace for this? How would you react if one of your children were gay or lesbian?