1. What were your first impressions of Meredith? Why do you think she found it so hard to fit in the Stone household? What do you think happened in her life to make her the way she is?

2. What were your first impressions of the Stone family? Would you have fit in with them?

3. How has Sybil's past illness and her current relapse affected her life? How has it affected the life of her family?

4. What are key differences you observed between Meredith and the Stone family?

5. "Do you feel like you chose? Chose your life? Said,'This is the thing I'm gonna do, these are the things I want'? Not necessarily because everybody said that's who you were?" (Everett) Why do you think Everett feels this way about his life? Have you ever felt this way about your life?

6. What are some differences between Meredith and Julie? Why do you think the Stone's warmed up so quickly to Julie?

7. What is the significance of Sybil's wedding ring? Why is it so important to the family?

8. What are your thoughts about the differing views of homosexuality (nature vs. nurture) shown in the film--particularly by Sybil and Kelly and Meredith?

9. What effect is achieved by showing the family after so many great changes in their lives at the end of the film (Sybil's death, Suzannah's second child, Thad and Patrick having adopted a child)?

10. What insights from readings, assignments, forums or other avenues come to mind as you reflect on this film from the perspective of a student of the family?