Daniel Deronda book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Book 1 to Chapter 24

1. How much responsibility does Gwendolen bear for her confidence when indulgence and admiration have helped shape it?
2. How does Gwendolen's hidden terror complicate the impression made by her public performance?
3. Is Rex's father's insistence on duty and patience helpful guidance or an unfair limit on Rex's choices?
4. What does Gwendolen's view of marriage as escape suggest about the freedom she wants?
5. What might make uncertainty about one's birth a source of sympathy rather than withdrawal?

Meeting 2: Chapters 25 to 43

6. How might a gift carrying an accusation change the meaning of Gwendolen's arrival at her grand new home?
7. When does Mordecai's hope for a spiritual heir seem sustaining, and when might it prevent him from seeing clearly?
8. How might discovering that Mordecai is Mirah's brother change the responsibilities Deronda feels toward him?

Meeting 3: Chapters 44 to 70

9. How do you interpret Gwendolen's choice to hide her unhappiness while showing growing affection for her family?
10. How should the Cohens' attachment to Mordecai weigh against the new home Deronda arranges for him?
11. How do you understand Deronda's affirmation of Jewish duty alongside his painful farewell from the Princess?
12. What should compassion require from Deronda when Gwendolen confesses her moment of refusal during the drowning?
13. What limits should Deronda place on his support when he fears Gwendolen misunderstands his promise?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.