To what extent does The Lacuna have a happy ending? Is Harrison Shepherd’s disappearance more tragic or more redemptive? Support your assertion with textual evidence.

Compare and contrast Frida Kahlo and Mrs. Violet Brown in the novel. What character traits do they share? In what ways are they different? What are the roles they play in Shepherd’s life?

Analyze the significance of cooking at every stage of Shepherd’s life. What does it reveal about his character development?