The Cider House Rules Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Cider House Rules Topics for Discussion

Who is the true Dr. Wilbur Larch? Why has he chosen to found St. Cloud's and provide abortions to women even though it is illegal at the time? Do you believe Dr. Larch is a homosexual or that his one sexual experience scarred him for life? If Dr. Larch is not a homosexual, why doesn't he ever have a relationship with a woman? Does Dr. Larch consider himself Homer's father?

Discuss the relationship between Homer and Dr. Larch. Do they have a doctor-orphan, father-son or some other kind of relationship? Is there true competition in their relationship? How does Dr. Larch feel about Homer? How does Homer feel about Dr. Larch? How do Dr. Larch's feelings change after Homer leaves the orphanage? What does he do about it? What happens to Dr. Larch?

Who is Homer Wells? Is he his own person, or does he just follow in the footsteps...
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