Short Story Collection Discussion Questions

Select a story to view the corresponding discussion questions

A Question of Time

After the Theatre

Bucky Severn

From a Back Window

Her Lover

Reginald in Russia

The Queen Bee

The Story of Keesh

Too Dear for the Whistle

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A Question of Time

1. Do you believe in luck or providence?
2. Have you ever had something seemingly random happen to you, that turned out well?
3. Do you enjoy stories that end with a "deus ex machina," or lucky event, solving the conflict?

After the Theatre

1. Did you ever love more than one person, and couldn't decide?
2. Do you agree with Nadya that it is less interesting when two people love each other equally?
3. Can you remember your first love?

Bucky Severn

1. Do you like sad stories?
2. Have you ever prepared for something only to have the event never happen? Were you disappointed?
3. Were you ever suddenly lovestruck? What was it like?

From a Back Window

1. Did you ever daydream about meeting someone when you were younger?
2. Did you ever have backdoor neighbors? What were they like?
3. Do you try to put on a better face when you're in public than when you're in private?

Her Lover

1. Did you ever have an imaginary friend as a child?
2. Did you ever have a pen pal?
3. Do you think it's important to have friends? Do you prefer to spend time by yourself or with company?

Reginald in Russia

1. The princess says, "A life of pleasure-seeking and card-playing and dissipation brings only dissatisfaction." Do you agree with her? What brings satisfaction in your life?
2. Reginald agrees with the princess, that in England they usually do vote the bad governments out of office. Do you remember the first person you voted for? What were some of the memorable elections you can recall?
3. The princess professes to sympathize with the working class people of Russia who are taken advantage of by the ruling class. Do you think she really understands their situation? Do you think the very wealthy in our country can truly understand the lives of the poor?

The Queen Bee

1. What is your favorite fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm?
2. Were you the type of person who enjoyed spending time outdoors in your childhood?
3. Do you think there is wisdom in minding your own business?

The Story of Keesh

1. Have you ever solved a problem by thinking outside the box?
2. Can you think of a time somebody didn't show you the respect you deserved?
3. Do you think Keesh was motivated by his father's death in his choice to only hunt bears?

Too Dear for the Whistle

1. Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
2. Did you ever spend too much on something? Did you regret it?
3. Do you agree that all things must be taken in moderation?