White Oleander | Topics for Discussion & Projects

White Oleander Key Questions

First-person narration allows the reader to intimately observe the complicated and often conflicting workings of another's mind, particularly effective when developing characterization of a young adult determining her self identity. Relationships between mother and daughter can affect the daughter's self image as well as future relationships.

1. Why is the title fitting? 2. What is Astrid's greatest success? 3. How is Astrid like her mother? 4. Astrid's creative outlet is her drawing.

Do you think this is her natural talent or what she was driven to because of her mother's success with words?

5. What functions do the letters from her mother play?

6. What character was Astrid's greatest support?

7. Is Astrid doomed in her future relationships?

8. How important is the setting of Los Angeles to the story?