Discussion Questions:
What is the significance of the crow? What does he represent?
On page 16 the crow states "I find humans dull except in grief. There are very few in health, disaster, famine, atrocity, splendor or normality that interest me but the motherless children do. Motherless children are pure crow. For a sentimental bird it is ripe, rich and delicious to raid such a nest." What does the crow mean when he says they are pure crow?
On page 35 Dad is remembering a tender moment with his wife where she states "my body is no bird-like." With all the bird symbolism in the novel, what do you think she meant by this?
In several stories including the one on page 37 the boys tell partial truths to the reader. What is the significance of that?
On page 98 Dad states "Moving on, as a concept, is for stupid people, because any sensible person knows grief is a long-term project." Have you found this to be true?
Representations of crows: death, destiny, personal transformation, intelligence, trickster, fearless, bad omen,
What are some other famous crows in literature?
