Reading 1001 discussion

Review thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

1. What are the principles of Blithedale, and what do its inhabitants really want?

2. How does the novel uphold or critique the values of the American Transcendentalists?

3. What is the significance of the continuing metaphors of drama and the stage in the novel?

4. What might the references to fire in the story signify?

5. What does Hawthorne symbolize with his references to nature, and do they represent one great opinion or singular metaphors?

6. Discuss themes such as secrecy and self-deception, manipulation and control, and progressive versus traditional gender roles.

7. What is the significance of the dove and to whom might it refer?

8. Why does Coverdale fail to meet up with Zenobia and Priscilla in town, and what does he long for after this event?

9. Who is the first person to fling earth into Zenobia's grave?

10. What does Moodie tell Coverdale was the only thing he was interested in during his younger years?