How would the various characters in Arcadia define utopia? Would their definitions be consistent with one another? Which character or group of characters do you think is correct about creating a society that 'works,' as Henry Lytten would say?Ĩ. Consider utopia and dystopia as a motif in the book. What settings does Pears employ in Arcadia? Does any one setting stand out from all the rest? What themes does each setting help to reveal or reinforce?ħ. Can readers easily identify who is 'good' and who is 'bad'? What do the intentions and motives of certain characters-Oldmanter, or Angela, or Alex Chang, for instance-reveal to us about their nature? Does the book present a particular vision of morality? Discuss.Ħ.

How many points of view are represented in the book? Who are the narrators of the stories contained within the novel, and how does the shifting perspective affect your interpretation of the story? Does any one point of view seem to stand out from all the rest?ĥ. What does she determine? What does the book suggest about the relationship between the past and the future?Ĥ.

Angela is trying to find out how easy-or difficult-it is to change the course of history. Consider what the book has to say about the subject of history and our past. What is Anterwold? Why does Henry Lytten write about this place, and what characteristics does he give it? What are some of his major influences in the creation of this world?ģ. Where does the title of the book come from? What is Arcadia, and why do you think the author chose this title for the novel? How might the title serve as a clue that suggests or otherwise echoes the major themes of the text?Ģ.

Arcadia pears