those of the rest of...

And, by the way: was the meat business guy's father, and the train passengers, manifestations of Sovokism?

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

1. "The leitmotif of of the number 4 - clones, dogs, piglets, dolls, sisters, prostitutes, etc. provides commentary on everything from mass production to alienation and ultimately, I believe, the valuing of life, human and non-human."  is what I said before.  Why 4?  I don't know.  But the effect of the clone story in the beginning (is it true?)  is a feeling of being creeped out by anything identical in multiple numbers.  It's a damnation of conformity  - I think.

2.  The pupper maker guy, right?  Yes.  

3.  Oooh, is he just mad?  I thought the clone experiment took place in a forbidden military area but didn't realize the village was also one.  Well, you assume the guy was making up the story at the bar, but get the feeling this is the village, Iron Monsters are the military, the sisters are the clones!  

4.  I don't remember.  She's leaving the city to attend her sister's funeral, though.

5.  I don't think those were sisters, but other prostitutes.  Zoya is a the dead sister, right?  

6.  I think he was being framed or punished randomly for something.  I don't remember the details, but do remember thinking it was unjust what he was being punished for...

7.  Yes!!! Rural=decayed, disturbing, past, creepy, etc.  A prize for you!