Three Little Words

In what ways does Mary Miller, a relatively minor character, turn out to be one of most profound influences on Ashley’s life?

How does the constant instability Ashley experiences in her early life shape the way she thinks, behaves, and interacts with others?

Lorraine repeatedly tells Ashley that she is her “sunshine,” but how does she fail to prove this to her daughter, and how do the Courters manage to do so in her absence?

What are some of the most pronounced examples of the foster care system’s failings, and how do they shape Ashley’s story and her future? 

Lorraine appears to genuinely love her children, but in what ways does the manner in which she expresses that love actually hold Ashley back?

Throughout her time in the foster care system, Ashley receives very few answers to her questions. Why is this symbolically significant?

Ashley repeatedly refuses to let herself trust others or hope for a happy ending to her time in foster care. How is this a reflection of her past experiences and in what ways does she express her resistance?

How does Mrs. Moss’s role in the story reflect the failings of the foster care system?