Three of the prominent characters are writers. They are Ted Driffield, William Ashshenden and Roy Kear. Each one feels differently about his art. Discuss the following:

1. Compare and contrast Ted as an artist to William as an artist. How are they alike? Different? Who seems to be more of a "true" artist? Who seems most sincere in his artistic pursuit? Or are both equally sincere? What do each use as his "muse"? Do you think both would pursue writing regardless of the public's reception? Why or why not?

2. Compare and contrast Ted as an artist to Roy as an artist. How are they alike? Different? Who seems to be more of a "true" artist? Who seems most sincere in his artistic pursuit? Are both equally sincere? What do each use as his "muse?" Do you think both would pursue writing regardless of the public's reception? Why or why not?

3. Compare and contrast William as an artist to Roy as an artist. How are they alike? Different? Who seems to be more of a "true" artist? Who seems most sincere in his artistic pursuit? Or are both equally sincere? What do each use as his "muse?" Do you think both would pursue writing regardless of the public's reception? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Rosie Driffield is a person and idea that weaves itself throughout the entire narrative. One might even say that the book is about Rosie rather than Ted or any other character. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss Rosie's character. What are her strengths and weaknesses? Is she presented as a well-rounded or flat character? What is she passionate about? Is she passionate about anything? Is she honest and sincere? Is this a woman that men and maybe some women would die for? Why or why not?

2. Does Rosie change from when she is revealed as a young woman to when she is older and William writes about meeting her again in New York? How is she the same? How is she different?

3. Rosie ignores the rather strict conventions of her day for women. She neither feels bound by convention nor feels the need to flaunt her behavior. Research and state the beliefs about women and expectations of behavior for women of this late Victorian era. How does Rosie fit or break those beliefs/expectations? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 10, over dinner, the Vicar announces that the Driffields have bolted to London, abandoning their debts. Discuss the following:

1. How do Mary-Ann and Rosie's view of abandoning their debt coincide? Do you agree with their point of view? See chapter 13 for Rosie's point of view about the debt.

2. What do you think it says about the Driffields that they flee debts accrued? Do you think the fact that the debts are in a small town by small merchants changes the morality of it? Why or why not?

3. By the time Ted has been married to Amy for a while, William notes that Amy has reformed him from being a Bohemian. What is a Bohemian? Are Bohemians less reputable than a "normal" person? Would a Bohemian be more likely to abandon his/her debt? Explain your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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