The poor decisions made by Isabel’s father leave his daughter in a vulnerable position. To what extent can Isabel’s tragic fate be traced back to her father’s mistakes? How does this intersect with the novel’s depiction of the aristocratic classes?

Consider Isabel’s unhappiness as a wife and mother. Does the novel suggest she is unhappy primarily because she finds these roles unfulfilling or because Cornelia’s presence prevents her from fully occupying these roles? What does this say about the novel’s attitude toward gender roles?

How does Wood balance foreshadowing and suspense in the first half of the novel? Why does Wood point out specific moments where Isabel’s fate could have unfolded differently if she had taken a specific action (such as confiding her unhappiness to her husband)?