A Month in the Country

Is this a religious novel? Do its themes and symbols rely on religion to give them meaning? Take into consideration the two families, the Keaches and the Ellerbecks, and how they represent two different churches (the Wesleyans and the High Church), and the backstory that Moon uncovers about Piers Hebron and his conflict between Christianity and Islam. Birkin says he is an atheist, but does he reveal moments when perhaps he is fooling himself? Research the hymns that come to play a part in his redemption. Is Birkin saved?

Research the Battle of Passchendaele and its importance to both World War One and the concept of warfare in the new century. In addition, research the perilous position of signaler, Birkin’s job on the battlefield. How does that position symbolically reflect Birkin’s vulnerability in war and underscore the novel’s larger theme that communication is essential?

Explore the falling man, the figure dropping into hell in the mural. Birkin is certain the painter spent extra time detailing the figure. In what way does the falling man figure suggest Birkin himself? Who/what are the two dark angels pulling at him?

Assess the relationship between Alice Keach and Birkin. Is it heroic or cowardly that neither acts on their emotional attraction? What do you make of the cat in the parsonage? Why does Birkin decide to return to his wife?

Research the crime of LGBTQ(+) relationships in World War One Britain, using the official British government and British armed services protocols. How does the backstory about Moon’s incarceration help understand his character?

In the end, who is most directly responsible for the restoration of Thomas Birkin: Moon, Alice Keach, Kathy Ellerman, or Emily Clough?

The novel has a narrative frame: Birkin writes about the summer some time long afterward. Why doesn’t the book clarify what has happened to Birkin? Why leave so many open questions, most notably about any lingering feelings for Alice or his decision to return to Vinny?

The best thing Birkin can do is leave Oxgodby. At one point, Birkin thinks about staying there but decides that he cannot. How does this decision reflect his healing? How would staying in Oxgodby, in the long run, reflect that Birkin is still fragile and broken?