Only the Beautiful

Explore how Rosie’s attitude toward motherhood shifts over the course of the novel, and evaluate how her outlook is shaped by the various women in her life.

Why does the author choose to break up the novel into two parts, shifting the narrative perspective from Rosie to Helen? What effects does the first-person perspective have that a third-person perspective would lack? Use specific examples to illustrate your point.

How does the narrative structure of constantly shifting backward and forward in time assist the story-telling capacity of the narrative? Examine at least three specific examples in which the linked narratives enhance each other.

Compare and contrast the figures of Celine and Helen. How do their personalities contribute to their virtues and their flaws in significant ways?

Research the historical details of Hitler’s notorious Aktion T4. To what extent does Susan Meissner’s depiction of its grievous social effects hold true to the historical reality, and how does the author use this historical event to deepen the impact of the novel’s larger philosophical message?

Analyze the different ways in which the narrative depicts Rosie’s experiences of her synesthesia. Do any patterns emerge relating to specific emotions, sounds, or circumstances?

Multiple characters in the novel find ways to justify deeply abhorrent and unethical practices. Select at least three such characters and identify the similarities in their justifications for their actions.

The novel spends a great deal of time exploring the theme of family. Select several characters and analyze their views of their family obligations. How do these characters either meet or fail to meet their responsibilities to their family?