Death of a Dowager (Slan) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
1.In this book, as in Death of a Schoolgirl (the first book in The Jane Eyre Chronicles), we are presented with the question: “How much do we owe other people?” In various ways, characters either take or refuse to take responsibility for how their actions might harm others. Discuss this theme.

2. In various ways, characters in this book try to show their love for other people, only to create troublesome situations. For example, John has shown his love for his master Edward, Lucy has shown her love for her friend Olivia Grainger, and King George IV has shown his love for Maria Fitzherbert. Compare and contrast what love means to each of these pairs. How successful are they are showing their affection?

3. Compare and contrast the relationships of parents with their children in the book. Consider: Dowager Countess Ingram with Blanche and Mary; Jane with Ned; the King and his daughter Princess Charlotte. Discuss how parents try to guide their children, and how sometimes parents do not see their children clearly. Is it possible that on occasion their assumptions about what is “right” for their children might be terribly wrong? How is this shown in the book?

4. Jane’s friend Lucy Brayton worries that she will fail in her desire to be a good mother to her adoptive son. She believes that a natural mother would have instincts that are more in tune with her child’s needs. Do you agree? Why or why not?

5. Jane and Edward face the looming problem of his worsening vision. We see how it has an impact on his moods. Is Jane responsible for keeping Edward happy? What if that comes at the expense of her own happiness?

6. King George IV is shown as a complex character in this book. What did you know of him before reading Death of a Dowager? Has your opinion of him changed as you learned more?

7. Maria Fitzherbert, Queen Caroline of Brunswick, and the Marchioness Elizabeth Conyngham were all real people, and their relationship with the King is accurately described. Consider these in light of modern day royal pairings such as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Wales, and Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. In what ways have the responsibilities of modern British royalty changed? In what ways are the responsibilities the same?
(Questions found on author's website.)

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