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1. Why are Tina, her mother and Aunt Dessie going to Noella's house?
2. Although we never meet Sharon, she plays an important rle in
the story. What is the author's purpose in introducing her?
How are Sharon's problems like those of Mary's & Tina's?
3. When she first meets Tina, Noella hugs her and Tina says: "Then
I was inside the root-hold, as helpless as a rock being broken
by long gentle pressure." How does that foreshadow
what happens later in the story?
4. What is the significance of what happens between Tina and Arley?
5. Tina accuses her mother of 'collecting little keys that lock out
the things in your life that scare you.' What does Tina try to
lock out of her own life? What does she eventually realize?
6. Are there any similarities between this story and "Pigeon
Humor?" If so, name and explain them,
1. What similarities and/or differences do you
see between "Welcome" and "Pigeon Humor"?
Explain them fully.
2. What figurative symbolism do keys have to this
story?
3. What significance does the character of Sharon
have to the plot--especially in the relationship between Mary, the mother and her daughter Tina?
4. Explain why you think Tina hates and fears change?