How does the novel present the relationship between the past and present? The novel imagines recent events and conflicts, but also sets them against past events. To answer this question, think about how the novel invites us to think about the past, memory, or history, and how these things shape or influence the present. Develop a strong thesis in which you make a claim about the way the novel presents this relationship in the novel. Your body paragraphs should develop and support your claim, using specific evidence from the novel. You may choose one character or several to focus on—the choice is yours—but make sure that all your ideas are in support of your thesis.