Pie

Researchers have long said there are five distinct aspects to the process of grief. What are the five stages of grief? Which are evident among the characters of Pie?

The discord between Alice and Ruth had been present from Alice’s infancy when Ruth decided her daughter favored Polly. Why does their conflict become so intense after Polly’s death?

Prior to her aunt’s funeral, Alice was not well-acquainted with Charlie, apart from considering him rough-hewn and not book-smart. Over the next few days, as they share several encounters, what does she learn about him as a person?

Weeks uses Polly’s pies as a symbol for what other distinctive characteristics of Polly?

Chief Decker incorrectly blames teenagers for breaking into Polly’s shop. Alice’s father wants to ignore Ruth’s emotional rants and just read his newspaper. Mayor Needleman really does not want to be mayor anymore. What characteristic do most of the significant men in Ipswitch seem to share? Do any of the village’s women exhibit this quality?

What ability does Alice exhibit, surprising Charlie and herself, when she helps him deliver groceries to Ipswitch households?

What is ironic about Jane’s multiple attempts to get hold of Polly’s pie crust recipe?

What motivated Polly to decide after winning the first Blueberry Award to will her piecrust recipe to Lardo shortening?