About Grace

The story often focuses on nature through Winkler’s observations of water and snow. Why? How do these observations enhance the way that Winkler views the world? How do they express Winkler’s views on his own existence, his purpose, and his relationships with others? Why might Doerr have chosen nature, especially water and snow, to express this view on the human condition?

What is special about Winkler’s dreams? How often do they come true? Why does he trust that his dreams will come true? What evidence does he have that they will? Why doesn’t he believe his dreams can be altered in reality, and how does this impact his reaction to the dream about Grace?

What is the significance in Winkler’s surrogate father-daughter relationship with Naaliyah? What might Doerr be suggesting about the novel’s themes by providing a parallel father-daughter relationship that has more on-page description than the titular Grace?

At multiple points in the novel, Winkler has near-death experiences related to exposure or drowning. What precipitates these events? How much responsibility does Winkler have in creating these situations? What impact does surviving these experiences have on Winkler’s mindset?

Winkler dreams that Naaliyah will drown as a grown woman. How does this dream compare to his similar dream about Grace? What steps does he take to prevent Naaliyah’s fate from coming true? How do his actions on Naaliyah’s behalf compare to how he reacted to the dreams of Grace’s death?

Winkler changes Naaliyah’s fate by rescuing her from drowning. What does this say about the purpose of his dreams? What does it suggest about Grace’s fate? Why did it take saving Naaliyah for Winkler to consider the possibility that Grace lived despite his dreams? What happened in Winkler’s dreams that convinced him Grace’s fate was inevitable? Explain, using examples from the text.

How might Winkler’s relationship to his dreams and his broader journey serve as an extended metaphor for parenthood? How does his journey map onto his ideas about parenthood?

While at Camp Nowhere, Winkler becomes fascinated by snow crystals again. For what purpose? What does Winkler learn from his work with snow crystals and Naaliyah’s work with insects? How does this reflect his relationship with Grace and Sandy? Why does Winkler share his prints of the snow crystals with Herman and Grace? Does it serve its purpose? Explain, using examples from the text.