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Queen's Autumn Gambit Reading Guide

Jun 9

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Queen’s Autumn Gambit Discussion Questions

  1. Should Carolyn be content with the stipulations of the inheritance (enjoy the money) or feel more conflicted about what she is sacrificing? 

  2. There are many references to poetry, especially the use of elevated language, does the novel follow a traditional poetic license of creating an image with words but more is hidden within the stanzas? 

  3. Characters evolve and change throughout the novel.  What are some examples of characters who begin as one literature archetype but are really another?  (A listing of common archetypes:  Hero, Mother figure, Great Teacher, Innocent, Underdog, Double, Sacrificial Redeemer, Scapegoat, Temptress, Monster, Villain, Trickster, and Evil Figure)

  4. Communication and letters are fundamental to the story.  The book is comprised of words, but often the words the characters say have other meanings or are misunderstood.  How does the lack of understanding aid or hinder their development?

  5. There are multiple religions represented.  What does each of these faiths bring to the story?

  6. Names have an important role, especially the multiple name of St. Mary.  Mary is a central figure in Catholicism, but she is also a mother.  What is the mother’s role, and how is it demonstrated by the various churches and other characters? 

  7. How is memory utilized?  Many of the characters want to forget their past, but they can’t erase their memories of it.  How is that helping or hindering them?

  8. Numbers are cited throughout the book.  What are the major numbers and what do they show symbolically?  How are the numbers used during the climax and resolutions of the book?

  9. The game of chess and its structure are pivotal.  Each chapter heading has a title or reference to chess.  Can you find the answer within each chapter?  What are some of the other characters who are common pieces in the game of chess?

  10. Is there ever a good reason to lie, or should you always tell the truth?






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