Flight Behavior

In what ways do the characters’ names represent aspects of their personalities and attitudes?

Review Dellarobia’s discovery of the monarch butterflies in Chapter 1. Where does she see similarities between herself and the insects? How do they impact her life? Are the butterflies representative of a vision or miracle, as proclaimed by the town church?

How do Ovid Byron, his assistants, and the visitors to the Turnbow property view Dellarobia and the people in her town? How do the townspeople and Dellarobia view the scientists and tourists? Is any common ground between the groups reached throughout the novel?

In what manner does the author portray religion and faith in the novel? How do these concepts affect the everyday lives of the people in Appalachia? Why is Dellarobia so skeptical of these concepts?

In a poverty-stricken area like the one Feathertown is part of, what specific factors does the novel identify as preventing someone like Dellarobia from achieving her dreams and creating a better life for herself and her family?

Climate change is a central component of this novel. How does Kingsolver approach the differing attitudes toward global warming and nature, as evidenced by the rural farmers and Ovid’s scientists and environmental volunteers?

Consider how the media is portrayed in the book. Does the author present the media fairly? How does the media impact the life of a small-town woman like Dellarobia and her butterfly discovery?

What does the novel say about religion and science? What makes them so polarizing, in Kingsolver’s estimation?