The Marriage Of Opposites

Consider this quote by Rachel: “I would write down these stories, along with a list of the wondrous things I myself had seen. When I went to France, I would have dozens of tales to tell, each one so fantastical people would have difficulty believing it” (8). Is the reader to believe these things happened, thus making this novel a work of magical realism? Or are these stories a coping mechanism for Rachel to deal with the things she can’t control? Use textual evidence to support your ideas.

Consider the title of the novel. What actual or literal marriages of opposites take place? (Think about actual marriages or the unions of opposing ideas.) What are their more symbolic or figurative implications? Use specific examples to support your claims.

Fractured parent/children relationships run through the novel. Choose two parent/child relationships and discuss their similarities and differences. How are these relationships influenced by the novel’s setting?

Consider the forbidden love of Rachel and Frédéric and how it influences Rachel’s ideas about socially frowned on relationships. Why doesn’t Rachel support Camille’s desire to marry Julia? How do the experiences of Rosalie and Jestine contribute to Rachel’s thoughts about ostensibly inappropriate desires?

The story of the turtle-girl plays an important role in the novel. What does this myth symbolize for Rachel and Jestine at different points in their lives? What is the significance of the concluding scene where Rachel and Jestine finally meet the turtle-woman?

Consider this quote from Rachel: “I chanted the prayers of my own faith, but I remained interested in the spirit world” (23). How does Rachel reconcile her Jewish faith to her interest in Spiritualism? Which has the greater influence on her life?

The pirates’ wives are repeatedly mentioned throughout the novel. What is their significance in the story? And what do they represent for Rachel?

Explore Rachel’s character. Is she a dynamic or static character? Explain your reasoning.