Tell the Wolves I'm Home

What motivates June to alter the painting? What motivates Greta to make the initial alteration? What do their actions suggest about art and its purpose or value?

In what ways does June and Greta’s relationship parallel or foil that of their mother and Finn’s? What does the novel suggest about the role of sibling connections and sibling rivalry?

Toby reveals to June that he and Finn agreed to tell June’s parents that Toby is to “blame” for Finn contracting AIDS, though this is not the truth. What might have motivated them to do so? What did they hope to achieve through this lie?

June is in awe of Greta’s talent as she sings, dances, and acts on stage. In what way is acting a fitting metaphor for Greta’s character?

In what ways is the setting of Manhattan important to the novel’s conflict? How does the setting impact June?

June acquires her passion for medievalism and the Middle Ages from Finn. Choose one or two characteristics of this time period and examine the significance of it to June and the novel as a whole.

In the final chapters, June’s mother seems to soften toward Toby. What may have caused her to change? How does this change contribute to the resolution of the novel’s conflict?

The novel is fraught with secrets. In the final chapter, June says that “everyone needs to think they have secrets” (354). What does she mean by this? How is The Power of Secrets different for the various characters? Which secrets are harmful, and which are healthy?