Authors: Judith Rock

The Rhetoric of Death (45 page)

BOOK: The Rhetoric of Death

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3. Discuss the devious characters in the novel. How do some use their duplicitous nature for good, and others for evil?

4. When Charles finds the hidden staircase above the bakery he thinks, “The stairs changed everything” (page 173). What do you think he means by this? Do you think Philippe's murder could have been avoided had the staircase not existed?

5. This time period (the late 1600s) in France straddled the beginning of modernity and the end of medieval times. How do you think this time of great transition affected the characters and their actions throughout the novel? What seemed especially different to you from what might happen now in similar circumstances?

6. Religious persecution and power are main themes throughout the course of the novel. Discuss why religion, government, and education were so tied together.

7. After ordering Charles to leave the murder investigation to others, PÃ¨re Le Picart summons Charles to his chamber and orders him to find Philippe's killer. Why do you think Le Picart changes his mind? When Le Picart asks, “What human action, after all, is completely free of sin?” (page 215), what do you think he means?

8. Charles has participated in untoward acts in his past, but has chosen a life of service to God and the church. Do you think, based on his character and actions throughout the novel, that this is a true calling for him? Why or why not?

9. When Pernelle is hiding in Charles's chamber, Charles says his prayers but they do not bring him his usual peace, as he listens to Pernelle's breathing deep into the night (page 320). Do you think it is because he is questioning his calling as a priest?

10. Jealousy runs rampant throughout the novel and is the reason for several characters' demise. Discuss how the time period might have spurred those feelings.

11. Do you think Charles's love for Pernelle takes away from his love for God?

12. Toward the end of the novel, when Charles sees the Jeanne d'Arc statue, he realizes that belief in personal truth is betterâand maybe strongerâthan worldly power. Do you think this idea has been forming in him throughout the novel and influencing his dealings with the power structures of church, college, social class, and government?

13. Do you think the Society of Jesus and the Roman Catholic Church were like the other power structures in France at the time?

14. Do you think Charles will stay with the Society of Jesus and become a priest?