The Cove by Ron Rash

  1. What makes some people fearful of outsiders, or those who are different, whether it is Laurel, Walter, Laurel's teacher, or the German university professor? Is such fear ever justified?
  2. The Cove is set in the final moments of World War I. What lessons does it offer us today?
  3. Laurel tells Walter about the dreams she once had of leaving the cove. "It's like I've never had a single choice in my life. Most people get at least a few choices, don't they?" How would you answer her? Has the opportunity of choices and our ability to exercise them changed in the century since Laurel's time? How have these changes affected women?
  4. Would Laurel be an outcast if she lived anywhere else besides the cove? What caused her neighbors to fear her? How does she fight back against their fear and hatred? How can one fight against irrational prejudice?