QUESTIONS
- Why does the author develop the frame story of the elderly Prue's letters to her daughter? What does this add to the novel?
- Is Prue believable as an 18th century woman?
- Prue is an intelligent woman. Does she seriously believe she cursed Pearl before her birth? Are there other reasons she feels guilty?
- Why is Prue haunted by death?
- How is the gin business a blessing and a curse for the Winship family?
- What examples are there in the book which illustrate the status of women in New York society of the late 18th century?
- Why are the Winship parents against religion? Are they atheists? How does this affect their standing in the community?
- Why do Pearl and Prue want to attend church?
- Why does Temperance reject all her suitors?
- Is the reverend a good match for Pearl? Why does she agree to marry him?
- How does Prue's treatment of Pearl alienate the younger sister?
- What do Prue's actions toward her family say about her character? Is she a person who acts from a sense of power, or powerlessness?
- What did you learn about alcohol consumption in 18th century New York society?
- What insights into the politics of the day does the author give us?
- Why is Prue obsessed with building a bridge? What does it mean to her? Does she think it will make up for the things she has lost?
- How is the bridge both a blessing and a curse?
- How does the theme of loyalty play out in the novel? What loyalties are betrayed?
- What is the significance of the epigraph at the beginning of the novel: "Chrysanthemum growers - You are the slaves of chrysanthemums!" Which characters are enslaved and to what are they enslaved?
Questions compiled by Suzanne Fisher (fishers@uhls.lib.ny.us)
September 5, 2007
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