Topic 1

Is beauty a curse or a blessing? Does Helen seem to think either way? How did her beauty shape her life and her personality? Why is Helen so different from the stereotypical Spartan female who is strong and fearless?

Topic 2

Why are horses mentioned so often in the novel? What do they represent? What does the mention of horses mean in each individual reference?

Topic 3

What are the differences between the kingdoms of Sparta, Athens, and Troy? Why do Athens and Troy seem so much more advanced than Sparta? What are the differences between the rulers of Sparta, Athens, Troy, and Greece in general?

Topic 4

Are the accounts of the two narrators totally reliable? Do you think they perceive the characters, actions and events around them correctly? If so, what is an instance of their correct perception of complicated events or people? If not, what are...