Plot – points to discuss:
- Party
How does Howard treat Carl?
Comment on the passage describing what impression Howard makes on other people.
Comment on the atmosphere at the party – Howard’s thoughts, the guests …
What do we find out about the Belsey’s family problems in this part (retrospective narrative)? Compare Howard’s, Kiki’s and Claire’s thoughts on this subject.
What is Kiki’s perception of Monty?
* Poor Carlene! Kiki dreaded the idea of spending even one night with this man with whom Carlene must spend a lifetime. (p. 115)
How does Kiki find out about Claire? What is her reaction?
- The anatomy lesson
* Summer left Wellington abruptly and slammed the door on the way out. The shudder sent the leaves to the ground all at once.
Comment on Zora’s perspective? How does she perceive the world around her?
Describe Howard’s lecture. What kind of Professor Howard is? What do his students think about him?
What problem does Zora have with Claire Malcolm’s class?
What does this quotation imply about Zora’s personality? Which parent does she resemble? Analyze her style of speech.
* Dean French, I just don’t see why my opportunity for advancement in the creative fields should be stymied… by a vendetta that a professor appears to have against me for reasons that are outside the proper context of academic assessment. (p. 146)
1. America vs. England
* compare the lifestyles / values as presented by the two families.
2. Can we perceive the families as representatives of these countries?
3. Wellington as the racial melting pot
Part 3: comic
Allusions
