1. Do you think Rosicky is too controlling of his family? Do you think his attempt to keep Rudolph and Polly on the farm will succeed or not?

2. Two important scenes take place on the Fourth of July. Do these scenes suggest that Rosicky is patriotic? What does Rosicky value about American life? What does he criticize about American life?

3. What do we learn about Doctor Ed's personality and his personal life? In view of this, what would he find attractive about the Rosicky family? Why would Rosicky's life seem "complete and beautiful" to him?