1. Research different symbolic meanings attached to the rose. How do these apply to McKinley's use of the rose?

2. Read Madame le Prince de Beaumont's version of the story, then compare it to McKinley's (or compare Rose Daughter to McKinley's earlier version,Beauty).

3. How do roses grow? Why would a study of rose gardening teach something about this novel?

4. Compare McKinley's novel to the Disney film Beauty and the Beast. Which themes do they have in common? Are there significant differences?

5. Research the idea of the animal-bridegroom. What do the stories about this figure have in common? Where do these stories come from?

6. Find a copy of the words to "Barbara Allen." How does this ballad relate to themes in Rose Daughter?

7. People in the book talk about folk tales.

What is a folk tale? Why are folk tales important in...