The House at the End of the World

Discuss the symbolism of the fox. Why did Koontz choose this animal for Katie’s companion?

Though Katie dismisses it, Jacob’s Ladder—its house, its grotto, and the history of its first owner, Joe Smith—contains a lot of Christian symbolism. What does this mean in context of the novel as a whole?

How does the novel portray nature? Does Katie’s connection with nature shape her view of the world? Is Moloch “natural” or not?

Katie ends the novel deciding to paint “the what” of things and not “the why.” What does this mean, and how does it apply to Koontz’s own writing in this book?

How does the novel portray motherhood?

Koontz characterizes Raleigh largely through journal entries. How does he characterize Francesca?

Libby’s relationship to Sarah/Shelly Framington is short-lived but meaningful. What does Sarah represent in the novel?

According to TV Tropes, a Mary Sue is “an unrealistically capable and virtuous character, one who simply lacks flaws and is depicted in an overly positive light” (“Mary Sue.” TV Tropes). With this definition in mind, are either Katie or Libby “Mary Sues”? Why or why not? If so, what is the function of a character like this?