There was no memorial service for Ethan in Baltimore. Whose idea do you think that was? Why?

Macon's style of mourning offends many people, including his wife. Is there any merit to their feelings of offense?

Julian describes metaphor of the winged armchair as "while armchair travelers dream of going places, travelling armchairs dream of staying put." Explain how Macon goes to great lengths to "stay put."

Macon eventually realizes that he and Sarah tried too hard to have a child together, partially because having Ethan made their differences seem so much worse. Would their realtionship have lasted if Ethan had not been killed?

Discuss the ways in which Macon tries to control his life.