Does Catherine make the right decision at the end of the novel? Is her choice to bury the pieces ultimately good for humanity, or bad?

Consider the recurrent images of birds that appear throughout the novel - in particular the mythical phoenix and the real-life falcon. What are the various levels of symbolic meaning to each of these birds? What are the parallels and contrasts between them? Also consider the meaning of the quote on p. 143. What is the relationship between this quote and the symbolic value not only of the falcon, but also of the phoenix?

Is Mireille justified in killing Marat? What might have changed about her journey/quest if she hadn't?

Consider the action/analysis of Section 17 - the quest undertaken by Catherine and Lily in search of the pieces of the Montglane Service. Discuss ways in which the patterns of...