Directions

First, write the name of the book you are discussing. Then list the members of the group. Remember that you don’t have to come to consensus on your answers—note the disagreements. If you want to discuss something about the book that isn’t covered in the questions, do that. Finally, if someone gives an unusually brilliant answer, give him or her credit by name.

Anne of Green Gables

  1. Why are names so important to Anne?
  2. Discuss the role of men in the book, both generally and specifically.
  3. What are Anne’s most important qualities? How do they serve Anne in winning the affections of her peers and her elders?
  4. How does Anne define romance? Why is it so important to her? How does Anne’s definition contrast with Marilla’s?

Pollyanna 

  1. Why does Aunt Polly hate Pollyanna’s father so much? How does that relate to the way men in the book are portrayed generally?
  2. Pollyanna’s name suggests that she is a mix of her mother and Aunt Polly. What traits of Aunt Polly’s do you see in her?
  3. How is money/social class portrayed in the book? Pay attention to who has money, what they do with it and why, and who doesn’t, and what kind of people they are.
  4. Why must Pollyanna have an accident? What purpose does it serve in the narrative?

A Little Princess 

  1. What is the importance of storytelling in this book? How, when, and for what purposes does Sara tell stories?
  2. How is money/social class portrayed in the book? Pay attention to who has money and what kind of people they are.
  3. Look again at the ideology of money in this book. Do you think Sara would have maintained her ideals if she actually had to stay poor? Why do you think her money is restored to her? How does that incident function in the narrative?
  4. Examine the three kinds of people in this book: adult males, adult and almost adult females (like Lavinia), and children. What can you generalize about gender in this book from the portrayals of the characters?

 

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm 

  1. What is the importance of names/language to Rebecca?
  2. What role do the Cobbs fill in the story, starting with the ride to the brick house?
  3.  How is social class/money portrayed in this story? Think about who has money and social position and who doesn’t, and how they are portrayed.
  4. How do men come off in this book? Compare and contrast Rebecca’s father, Adam Ladd, and Jerry Cobb. Then compare and contrast them to the women in the story.

  Adventures of Tom Sawyer

1. What does Tom value?
2. How do Tom's values differ from those of his community?
3. Does the author seem to approve or disapprove of Tom's misbehaviors?
4. How are women portrayed in this book? List the significant women and their traits before you make your evaluations.
5. How does Tom change throughout the story? (Or does he?)
6. What is the importance of money/social class in this book?