Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What is the symbolism of the final image in the novel?
- What is the role of eroticism/hedonism in The Leopard? Is eroticism/hedonism viewed as life-affirming?
- How does the landscape of Sicily reflect the emotions of the characters in The Leopard? Please use examples from the plot.
- Why is such a big deal made of Prince Fabrizio's size? It's not like he's a boxer—his size really shouldn’t matter. But it totally gets brought up again and again. Why?
- David Mitchell described this novel as "kiss(ing) perfection full on the mouth." Is this a perfect novel? Why, or why not?
- Ok, what do you make of the one chapter that just follows Father Pirrone. What's going on here: what does this chapter, following a secondary character, add to the novel overall?
- What political stance, if any, does The Leopard take?
- The Leopard can be understood as a tragedy, making Prince Fabrizio a tragic hero. Every tragic hero needs hamartia, so what is Fabizio's hamartia?