Mill on the Floss Question #10

Would you recommend this novel to someone else? Why or why not?

Mill on the Floss Question #9

Identify two themes of the novel (your choice) and support the themes as found in the reading.

Mill on the Floss Question #8

How is that "present is the product of the past" in this novel? Explain, using quotations.

Mill on the Floss Question #7

How is the novel a reflection of the time (Victorian Age) in which it was written?

Mill on the Floss Question #6

Who is your least favorite character and why? Include quotations in your answer.

Mill on the Floss Question #5

Who is your favorite character and why? Again, include quotations.

Mill on the Floss Question #4

Identify some lessons that can be learned from this novel. Include quotations.

Mill on the Floss Question #3

Is Mr. Tulliver a tragic character? Is he a tragic hero?

Mill on the Floss Question #2

With whom does the narrator sympathize? What values does the narrator uphold?

Mill on the Floss Question #1

How can the novel be considered a feminist novel? Use quotations to support your answer.

David Copperfield Question #10

Which character most annoyed you and why? (Dora gets my vote -- or maybe Jip, her dog, who is equally annoying). Use quotations to describe what the character says or does.

David Copperfield Question #9

At the beginning of the novel, David questions whether he will become the hero of his own life. Is he a hero? Explain.

David Copperfield Question #8

Discuss examples of class distinction (a common Victorian concern) found in the novel.

David Copperfield Question #7

By the end of the novel, which character do you most admire and why? Be specific in providing examples of what the character does.

David Copperfield Question #6

Dickens' novel is a novel of social commentary. He criticizes such social conditions as the school system (you discussed this in a previous response), the work conditions (especially child labor), the prison system, etc. Provide examples of the problems regarding working conditions in the Victorian Age. Use quotations.

David Copperfield Question #5

Discuss the symbolism of character names and place names. Provide examples of 5 or more. How do the characters fit their names and the descriptions of the places fit their names? Again, use quotations. (Good examples to use: Steerforth, Copperfield, etc.)

David Copperfield Questions #4

Compare and contrast Mr. Creakle's school (Salem House) to Dr. Strong's school. What makes Dr. Strong's school more successful? Use quotations to support your response.

David Copperfield Question #3

Annie Strong says, "There can be no disparity in marriage like unsuitability of mind and purpose." Apply this statement to the marriages of the following: Barkis and Peggotty, Clara Copperfield and Mr. Murdstone, and David and Dora. (Some marriages may be successful because there IS suitability of mind and purpose).

Oliver Twist Final Question

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Oliver Twist Question #9

Victorian stereotypes about the poor asserted that poverty and vice were fundamentally connected and that, moreover, both were hereditary traits: the poor were supposedly bad from birth. How does Dickens approach such stereotypes?

Oliver Twist Question #8

Consider the female characters of Nancy, Rose Maylie, and Agnes Fleming. How are the three women different? How are they similar?

Emma Final Question

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Emma Question #9

Emma experiences several major revelations in the novel that fundamentally change her understanding of herself and those around her. Which revelation do you think is most important to Emma’s development, and why?

Emma Question #8

The movie Clueless is loosely based on "Emma." If you have seen the movie, compare the two.

If you have not, answer the following question: Do you find Emma likable -- why or why not?"

Tale of Two Cities Final Question

Agree or disagree: Monsieur le Marquis Evremond deserved to be assassinated for killing the child.

Tale of Two Cities Question #9

Agree or disagree: Sydney Carton was a fool to give up his life.

Tale of Two Cities Question #8

How is the truth of Dickens' famous opening line ("It was the best of times; it was the worst of times ...") evident in the novel?

Vanity Fair Question #10

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Vanity Fair Question #9

At the end of Chapter 53, the narrator provocatively questions the nature of Becky's relationship with Lord Steyne: "What had happened? Was she guilty or not? She said not; but who could tell what was truth which came from those lips; or if that corrupt heart was in this case pure." What evidence is there to suggest that Becky is guilty? Is not guilty?

Vanity Fair Question #8

Trace all of the factors that influence our feelings about Dobbin throughout the novel. Do we experience peaks and valleys with him as we do with Becky, and do we feel that he gets what he deserves at the novel's close? Does Amelia get what she deserves?

Wuthering Heights Final Question

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Wuthering Heights Question #9

What do you consider pivotal events and whom do you see as pivotal characters others meet in the novel? Explain your choices. What makes your choices pivotal; that is, explain the effect these meetings/incidents have on the rest of the novel.

Wuthering Heights Question #8

Are you sympathetic with Cathy in her struggle between the two men? Nelly discounts Cathy's reasons of loving Edgar (that he is handsome, rich and he loves her); how about you? When Cathy then said to her, "Nelly, I am Heathcliff" (70), Nelly thinks that Cathy is foolish, and you?

Return of the Native Final Question

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Return of the Native Final Question

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Return of the Native Question #9

If you had to choose a primary character in this novel, who would it be? Is the book mostly about Clym's struggle to find meaning and vocation in life, or is it mostly about Eustacia's desire to escape the heath for a more romantic life?

Return of the Native Question #8

Hardy also wrote (journal entry fro 19 April 1885), "The business of the poet and novelist is to show the sorriness underlying the grandest things, and the grandeur underlying the sorriest things." Can you apply this philosophy to Return of the Native? Where?

Pride and Prejudice Final Question

Darcy says that one of Wickham's motivations in his attempted elopement with Georgiana was revenge. What motivations might he have had for running off with Lydia? (Besides the obvious. . .)

Pride and Prejudice #9

Would you recommend this novel to another reader? Consider the lessons it has to offer, its overall readability, its ability to capture one's attention, and its representation as a novel of the Victorian era.

Pride and Prejudice Question #8

Elizabeth Bennet says, ". . . people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever."Do any of the characters in the book change substantially? Or do they, as Elizabeth says of Darcy, "in essentials" remain much as they ever were?

Oliver Twist Question #6

What do you think of Fagin as a villain? Is he entirely bad? Provide quotations to support your answer.

Pride and Prejudice Question #7

In 1814 Mary Russell Mitford wrote: "It is impossible not to feel in every line of Pride and Prejudice. . . the entire want of taste which could produce so pert, so worldly a heroine as the beloved of such a man as Darcy. . . Darcy should have married Jane." Would you have liked the book as well if Jane were its heroine?

Vanity Fair Question #7

Thackeray peoples his novel with many colorful secondary characters. Were any especially well drawn or true to life? Which did you find most amusing, pathetic, or loathsome? Use quotations for support.

Return of the Native Question #7

The meaning of the novel's title seems fairly obvious at first glance, but can we interpret it in more ways than one?

Wuthering Heights Questions #7

Locate and identify some examples of symbolism found near the end of the novel.

Tale of Two Cities Question #7

What is your definition of honor? How would you describe the following characters -- as honorable or dishonorable: Defarge, Stryver, Sydney, and Carton. Support your answers with quotations.

Tale of Two Cities Question #6

Identify three characters that you consider "dynamic" characters (ones who change). Support your answers with quotations.

Tale of Two Cities Question #5

Look at Charles Darnay and his uncle the Marquis. How are they different, and why did Charles develop so differently from his uncle and his father?

Tale of Two Cities Question #4

Why does Dickens describe Stryver as "the lion" and Carton as "the jackal"?
Provide quotations to support your answer.

Tale of Two Cities Question #3

Identify symbols in the novel. Tell what the symbols represent.

Tale of Two Cities Question 2

What do you consider to be the themes of the novel? Provide evidence of the themes using quotations.

Vanity Fair Question #6

Identify three themes of the novel and provide evidence of those themes using quotations.

Emma Question #6

Identify three themes of the novel and provide evidence of those themes using quotations.

Pride and Prejudice Question #6

Consider the final resolution of the novel. Is the ending a fairy tale one (recall that fairy tales end with "and they lived happily ever after")? How does the novel expand upon and complicate this ending? Does the ending play up the romance, or the social satire? What is the final message, which the novel leaves us with?

Return of the Native Question #6

Marianne and Megan,

Read my comment on your responses to question #2. Answer the question and tell me what universal truths can be drawn from this.

Oliver Twist Question #6

While this novel often verges on the tragic, it has a comic ending, comic characters, and numerous comic episodes. Provide several examples of characters, episodes, etc. that you consider comic.

Emma Question #5

How does Jane Austen use irony? Find examples in Emma.

Emma Question #4

Is Jane Austen concerned with morals in her novels. Do the main characters have to make choices and do they have responsibilities and obligations? If so, to whom? What part does religion play in her novels?

Vanity Fair Question #5

Near the end of the book, Becky presses Amelia to marry Dobbin by revealing the unsavory truth about Amelia's late husband. How do you explain this uncharacteristic altruism on Becky's part, given the animosity between her and Dobbin?

Return of the Native Question #5

In David Copperfield, one of the characters says, "There can be no disparity in marriage like unsuitability of mind and purpose." How does this quotation apply to the relationships in Return of the Native? That is, both for those that work and those that don't: What unsuitability of mind and purpose keeps those that don't work from working and those that do work working?

Wuthering Heights Question #6

Since this novel is a Gothic romance, identify examples of the Gothic found in the novel. (Use quotations, please).

Wuthering Heights Question #5

Who do you consider the major character of the novel: Catherine or Heathcliff?

Oliver Twist Question #5

What are the other messages and themes of Oliver Twist? What did Dickens want his readers to learn and understand?

Oliver Twist Question #4

What are the messages and themes of Oliver Twist? What did Dickens want his readers to learn and understand? Discuss one message/theme today with support (quotations) for your answer, and tomorrow discuss another theme/message.

Pride and Prejudice Question #5

After Jane becomes engaged to Bingley, she says she wishes Elizabeth could be as happy as she is. Elizabeth replies, "If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness." Do you think Elizabeth's statement is true? Is it better to be good, to think the best of people, and be happy? Or is it better to see the world accurately, and feel less happiness?

Pride and Prejudice Question #4

Consider Mr. Wickham's function in the novel. What is the source of Elizabeth's attraction to in Mr. Wickham? What role does he play in her attraction to Mr. Darcy?

Return of the Native Question #4

Identify examples of coincidence, and explain the role that coincidence plays in this novel.

Vanity Fair Question #4

Thackeray's narrator sprinkles the novel with frequent stinging asides, such as "Did we know what our intimates and dear relations thought of us, we should live in a world that we should be glad to quit," and "What bitter satire is there in those flaunting childish family portraits, with their farce of sentiment and smiling lies." What did you think of the sentiments expressed in these remarks and others throughout the novel? Did you find any that were especially on target or out of bounds? What do they add to the novel?

Wuthering Heights Question #4

How does Catherine change when she is "forced" (sort of forced) to stay at TG after she is bitten by the dog? What effect does TG have on her and on her relationship with Heathcliff? Do you think she is changed for the better or not? Explain. What about Isabella? How does she change upon her stay at WH after her marriage to Heathcliff?

Vanity Fair Question #3

Aside from Becky, who are your favorite characters in the novel? Explain your choice.

Vanity Fair Question #2

What are your thoughts on Becky Sharp? How would a woman like her fare in today's world?

Vanity Fair Question #1

Thackeray's subtitle for Vanity Fair is "A Novel Without a Hero." How appropriate is this as a title for the novel? Explain.

Oliver Twist Question #3

The subtitle of this novel is "The Parish Boy's Progress." Explain the allusion and explain the allusion's appropriateness to the novel.

Oliver Twist Question #2

Who are the most memorable, lively characters in the novel? Oliver, Rose, and Brownlow? Fagin, Sikes, and Nancy? Support your answer by giving examples (with quotations) of your choice's description, actions, words, etc.

Oliver Twist Question #1

While this novel often verges on the tragic, it has a comic ending, comic characters, and numerous comic episodes. What do you consider to be some of the more comic episodes?

Emma Question #2

To what extent can class be said to be of central importance to the development of the novel, since it is one of the most important considerations in marriage? Does class seem to be treated differently by those in Highbury than it does by outsiders, for example Frank Churchill and Mrs. Elton? Do you think it is significant that no woman in Highbury is of Emma's age and rank?

Emma Question #3

In the final analysis, is Emma a sympathetic character? Does she seem to have good intentions only marred by a slight desire to interfere with other people's lives, or is she thoughtless and unconcerned with the effects she has on others? In your estimation, is Emma ultimately moral or immoral? What specific incidents in the novel lead you to that conclusion?

Return of the Native #3

How important are minor characters to the action of the novel? Especially consider Diggory Venn. Describe the roles of the minor characters.

Pride and Prejudice #3

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett: how would you like them as your parents? Which of the two is a better parent? (Keep track of textual evidence that supports your opinion.)

Wuthering Heights #3

How are the houses (re-read the descriptions of the settings of the two houses) a reflection of the characters who live in them? What effect do the houses have on the characters as they inhabit a house other than the one from which they originally came?

David Copperfield Question #2

Read a brief biography of Charles Dickens. Identify some parallels between David Copperfield's life and Charles Dickens' life.

Emma Question 1

Does Emma act as a good friend to Harriet Smith? Are Emma's concerns for Harriet's education and refinement born of an honest desire to help, or is it something less altruistic? Are Mr. Knightley's criticisms of Emma's interference with Mr. Martin's marriage proposal justified? Does Harriet ultimately benefit from Emma's friendship or her attempts to help her?

Tale of Two Cities Question #1

What do you consider Dickens' attitude toward the French Revolution to be? Does he sympathize with its organizers or is he against it? Provide proof.

Return of the Native Question #2

What impact do you think that Clym's previous life in the big cities of Paris and London has on his view of Egdon Heath and his return to it?

Wuthering Heights Question #2

What is your opinion of Edgar? Do you consider him a strong character or a weak character?

Pride and Prejudice Question #

What do you think of the views of marriage in this novel? Obviously, Mrs. Bennet's main aim in life is to see that her five daughters are married and married well. Discuss the views of marriage. Especially consider Charlotte Lucas' and Mr. Collins' relationship.

Pride and Prejudice Question #1

Who is most at fault in the initial failure of the romantic relationships (Elizabeth and Darcy / Bingley and Jane) to be successful?

Return of the Native Question #1

Chapter 1 of the novel is devoted entirely to a description of Egdon Heath. Why do you think Thomas Hardy devotes an entire chapter to the setting? How important is the setting to the story, and what is the impact on individual characters?

Wuthering Heights Question #1

Do you sympathize with Heathcliff or do you consider him entirely a villain?

David Copperfield Question #1

Dickens creates memorable characters in his novels. Name two or three characters you enjoy the most and tell why.