Study Questions for A Patchwork Planet, 1

1. The motif of angels is central to the plot of the book. What do
you think angels could be a metaphor for? Explain your answer.

2. How have your impressions of the central character evolved over the course of the novel?
Can you think of some adjectives to describe him, based on what you
have learned so far? (use a thesaurus and monolingual dictionary to
help you come up with the precise adjectives you want)
What details in the text lead you to these impressions?

3. Throughout the novel, Barnaby experiences large and small
epiphanies (moments of revelation). Make note of where a few of these occur and consider how they affect the overall plot/character development.

4. In most novels, a problem or conflict drives the plot of the book. What conflicts or problems (interpersonal or intrapersonal) do you see developing in the book so far?

5. What can you say about the tension in the novel between Fate (Chance, Luck, Circumstances) and Self-Determination? You might consider the role that angels appear to play and/or Barnaby's reflections on his life. What about the way that Barnaby attempts to engineer a visitation from his angel?

6. What details in the novel lend it an air of reality for you?

7. Regarding the concept of angel in a purely metaphorical sense, who do you think is Barnaby's angel? Explain.

8. What comments do you think Tyler makes about the nature of goodness and "success" in life?

9. Anne Tyler has said that one of the things she aims for in her writing is to give a novel many "layers". Can you find examples of how she has succeeded in this? Perhaps a dialogue or scene which has multiple layers? A character or a relationship that is more complex than might appear on the surface?



For those of you coming late to the class or unable to obtain a copy of the first book immediately, here at least is the first chapter of A Patchwork Planet, available online. You will also find a link to a review of the book. I also have made photocopies of the first two chapters. Ask me if you need them.

http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/t/tyler-patchwork.html?_r=1&oref=slogin