Research the work of mythologist and writer Joseph Campbell. Pay particular attention to his analysis of / commentary on "The Hero's Journey". Compare Campbell's analysis of that journey and its various components/stages/encounters with the journey undertaken by September. How do the various elements of Campbell's analysis, the various stages of the archetypal Hero's Journey, manifest in September's story?

What, do you think, the author is suggesting when he so clearly indicates that September and the Marquess are physically quite similar, a comment The Marchess also makes.

What do you think is the meaning of the secret Calpurnia whispers into Saturday's ear in Chapter 11 (see "Quotes", p. 131-2)? What circumstances and challenges eventually faced by September do you think Calpurnia's whisper is foretelling?

What is your concept of death? Do you have a visual image of what a personification of death might look like...