The Professor's House

Compare and contrast the depiction of Tom Outland in Part 1 with how he presents himself in Part 2. How does the shift to a first-person narration change the sense of Tom’s character? Use specific examples from the text.

Describe Rosamond’s attitude toward Tom, as depicted in Part 1. Does she, as Scott McGregor suggests, still love him? What evidence supports your view?

How does the relationship between Rosamond and Kathleen help develop the novel’s central themes, particularly those having to do with domesticity?

What does St. Peter’s reflection on his marriage with Lillian reveal about his character? How does this relationship develop the themes of the novel?

Compare and contrast St. Peter’s relationships with his two sons-in-law, Louie and Scott. How do these relationships shape St. Peter as a character?

What role does Father Duchene play in developing the novel’s themes?

Why does the knowledge that Tom had spent time in Washington, DC, come as a surprise to the St. Peter family? Why do they feel as though he has been hiding something from him?

What role do objects, such as the silver and turquoise bracelet, the Mexican blanket, and the Indigenous pottery play in the novel? What do these objects reveal about Tom and others? Analyze at least two examples.