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59 pages 1 hour read

Karen Russell

Vampires in the Lemon Grove

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 2013

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Essay Topics

1.

Regret and guilt are common themes in many of the stories. Pick two stories and explore how these themes are revealed.

2.

Every story utilizes a magical or surrealist element to reveal a character’s psychological state, or to make a larger societal commentary. Choose two stories and explain how the magical elements are working and to what effect.

3.

Discuss the importance of animals in the collection.

4.

While these stories can function independently, they are also connected by many different symbols and themes. Choose one theme or symbol and explain how it connects each story.

5.

In “The Barn at the End of Our Term,” what does the Fence symbolize? What does it mean when Rutherford finally jumps the Fence in the end?

6.

“Reeling for the Empire” and “Proving Up” both embed magical elements into realistic settings. What is the effect? How are these stories to be read?

7.

In “The Graveless Doll of Eric Mutis,” why does Larry interpret Time with a capital T? How does this relate to Eric?

8.

“Dougbert Shackleton’s Rules for Antarctic Tailgating” is a story unlike the others. How is it different? What is its intended purpose?

9.

In “Vampires in the Lemon Grove,” what do the lemons symbolize?

10.

In “Vampires in the Lemon Grove,” how are we to interpret the story’s ending?

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