The Dutch House

Compare and contrast the mother-child relationships in the novel. How do women in the novel fail to fulfill or fulfill expectations for mothers? What are the consequences of their choices?

Is Elna a saint, an incompetent mother, or both? Take a stance on this question, and use evidence from the novel to support your stance.

Is Danny a reliable narrator? Why, or why not? Use specific examples to develop a discussion of how point of view influences your perspective on the novel.

Discuss one or more of the important symbols in the novel. What does the symbol stand for? How does the meaning of the symbol change over the course of the novel?

Is the ending of the novel—May purchasing the home—realistic based on the previous events in the novel? Explain why, or why not.

Danny and Maeve’s lives after their time in the Dutch House diverge significantly over the years. How do their lives differ, and what accounts for those differences?

The chronology for the novel can at times be difficult to follow. Using your notes, create a timeline of events. Which of Patchett’s choices make the chronology difficult to follow? Speculate about why she chooses to structure the plot in this way.

The central relationship in the novel is the one between Maeve and Danny. Describe that relationship, and discuss the gains and losses each sibling experiences as a result of the relationship.