1. Otto's father is depicted as a thief and an arrogant man, yet he shows concern for his family and those who serve him faithfully. Can these aspects of his personality be reconciled?

2. What role does Otto's mother play in the story? Why does she die at the story's beginning? What is her relationship to Abbot Otto? Is this important to the story?

3. The book is entitled Otto of the Silver Hand How soon are you aware that Pauline's father orders Otto's hand cut off? What is the significance of Otto's losing his hand?

4. Is One-eyed Hans an evil person?

Does his service to Baron Conrad make him a good knight? How does his behavior fit into the code of chivalry?

5. Contrast the castle and the monastery. How does Pyle use adjectives to create a mental picture of the two places?

6. Look at Pyle's full-page...