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Discussion/Essay Questions with Vocabulary

We are unable to supply an answer key to these study questions. Original thought is looked for in answering many of these questions for which there is no "one right answer". We hope these questions will assist parents in discussing the book with their children. Those who haven't read the book themselves could still discuss these questions and ideas in a general way with their children, have their children discuss it with others who have read the book, or seek summaries of the book online to better understand it.

Chapter 1

preliminary
urns
discordant

1. Describe Jane based on your knowledge of her from the first chapter? How does she view herself, others, her marriage?
2. What is Mark's position in the college and how did he get there?
3. What is the special attraction of Bragdon Wood?
4. How was the sale of Bragdon Wood pushed through the college?

Chapter 2

obscurantism
aesthetic
remorse

1. What character trait of Mark's does Feverstone exploit to get him to join N.I.C.E.?
2. What are the three main problems Feverstone sees are the objectives for N.I.C.E. to meet its goals of using science to order society?
3. What is the personal reason Feverstone gives Mark as to why they both should be on the side of N.I.C.E.?

Chapter 3

effusiveness
physiologist
uncongenial

1. Why is Mark so uncomfortable with the position N.I.C.E. is offering him?
2. What is the Fairy like? What are her views as to the role of police in ordering society?
3. Miss Ironwood believes that Jane has a gift of vision. What are the three things she says can be done with that gift? What does Jane decide to do about it?
4. Hingest decides to get out of N.I.C.E. What are the reasons he gives to Mark?

Chapter 4

anachronism
recalcitrant
buoyant

1. What is the Reverent Straik's peculiar brand of theology?
2. What is Mark's impression of Cosser after they do the project on Cure Hardy? How does Cosser feel about nature? How did each one feel about their day at Cure Hardy?
3. How does Feverstone make sure that Mark will stay with N.I.C.E.?

Chapter 5

elasticity
reconditioning
fellowship

1. In your opinion, why is Mark's position with N.I.C.E. so flexible? Is this an advantage for the organization; and if so, how?
2. The Fairy explains some of the methods of N.I.C.E. in educating the populace. What are some of these methods? Which social group are they most interested in convincing? Which group do they feel is easier to convince?
3. In inviting Jane to join their side, what is the Head's concern about her married state? What is Jane's attitude on this matter?

Chapter 6

harbour
nominal
compensation

1. How does Mark work to secure his position in N.I.C.E.? How successful is he at this point?
2. What is the real cause of the disturbances at Edgestow? What is the purpose of the engineered riot? What part does Mark play? Why does he decide to participate?
3. Why does Jane go back to St. Anne's?
    

Chapter 7

countenance
erotic
jocund

1. What happens to Jane on her encounter with the Director of St. Anne's? What does the Director tell her about marriage? about equality? about obedience?
2. What decision does Jane come to as a result of her arrest? What convinces her?

Chapter 8

accessible
veridical
admonished

1. How is the housework arranged at St. Anne's?
2. What is Mark asked to do by the Director? Why does he resist this idea?
3. How does Professor Filostrato intend to improve on (or abolish) nature? How does sex fit into this scheme? What are the things that he feels offends the dignity of man?

Chapter 9

Saracen
evidential
neutralised

1. What is N.I.C.E.'s big secret? What is Mark's reaction to this new revelation?
2. How do his feelings for Jane change after his newest experiences at Belbury?
3. On what basis are the people of St. Anne's gathered there? Why does the Director say he cannot give them permission to leave?

Chapter 10

materialist
fugitive
occupied

1. What is the next method used by Belburuy to get Mark to bring Jane there? What does he decide to do?
2. When Mark goes to find Jane, Dimble refuses to tell him where she is. What does Dimble offer Mark? What is Mark's answer and what happens to Mark subsequently?
3. What does the search party go to find in Bragdon Wood? What is Jane's protection, since she does not yet put herself under the protection of Maleldil? What does the Director say about her answer?

Chapter 11

phantasmal
aphrodisiac
clairvoyance

1. What do Wither and Frost decide to do to get Mark to bring his wife? Why do they decide against torture to find out where she is? Besides Jane's clairvoyance, why are they so interested in the couple?
2. What does Mark discover about himself while imprisoned?

Chapter 12

inflicting
inquisitiveness
anthropoid

1. What are Frost's beliefs about emotions such as fear and friendship?
2. What is the last circle of initiation open to Mark? What is his struggle?

Chapter 13

sagacity
bestial
faltered

1. What questions does Merlin ask of Ransom? What are his answers? What does he learn about who Ransom is?
2. Why does Merlin believe Jane should be killed? How can you justify his point of view?
3. What did Merlin involve himself with when he lived in the sixth century that is now forbidden? What are some of the problems Ransom and the organization anticipate they will have with him? What is Merlin's mission?
4. What barrier have the followers of the evil one opened up? What will result because of this new situation?

Chapter 14

irrevocably
systematic
insipid

1. What are some of the motives Frost uses to "educate" Mark? What results do they produce? Explain his new understanding of the "Straight" and "Normal".
2. What does Jane come to understand from her dream and her talk with the Director that leads to her conversion?

Chapter 15

descent
metaphor
allusion

1. How does the descent of the "gods" affect the household?
2. What final request of Frost's pushes Mark into a final confrontation and refusal of what Frost asks? How does Mark come to this decision--knowing it means death for him?

Chapter 16

deprive
convulsions
slandered

1. How do the "gods" use Merlin to destroy Belbury?

Chapter 17

reluctance
inconspicuous
calculating

1. What final gift does Venus leave on the household before she returns to the heavens?

Questions courtesy of Sharon Mollerus