The House of the Spirits Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The House of the Spirits Topics for Further Study

Research the political events of 1970-1975, and determine how closely Allende's novel depicts historical reality.

What role does magic play in this novel? Decide what the use of mysticism contributes to the story and how it is used to foreshadow events. Do the many ghosts function as an omen or just as a device to foreshadow events?

Examine the role of patriarchy in this novel and discuss how the Latin machismo of the men oppresses the women characters in Allende's novel.

Note the references to nature and animals and discuss how nature functions in this novel. Is there is a connection between nature and the supernatural?

Throughout the novel, there are many events in each woman's life that are repeated. At the conclusion, Alba remarks that the cycle of rape will probably continue. Discuss the cyclic nature of these women's lives, paying close attention to their...
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