At the beginning of the novel, we see Mrs. Carnegie as a wealthy member of the leisure class. When we learn more about her character, past, and habits, we find much evidence that she doesn’t fit the mold. Choose several examples from her life that contradict the image she wants to project and discuss them. Rather than the leisure class, what image do these examples project?

Wealth is used for a variety of different purposes in the novel. Some purposes are depicted as good, and some are depicted as bad. Think of an example of each type and describe it. How does the author distinguish between those purposes that are good and those that are bad?

How are letters used in the novel? Who writes them and why? In your opinion, is the truth disclosed in letters or obscured in them? Why might this be so?