1. Napoli's novel includes many references to Biblical places. Name them and describe their importance to the story.

2. Miriam and Abraham each seem to have their true natures imprisoned by factors they cannot control. Describe the differences and similarities between their "prisons."

3. The author of this novel is a renowned linguist. What does a linguist do? Detail samples of her linguistic abilities in the writing of this novel.

4. The "Song of Solomon" is quoted often in Song of the Magdalene. Of what relevance is this song to the Song of the Magdalene?

5. Compare and contrast the treatment of women in the twentieth century to those of Biblical Magdala.

6. Compare Miriam in Song of the Magdalene to Zel in the author's 1996 fantasy of the same name.

7. The lives of Miriam and the known Jesus seem to follow a parallel course before their...