Essay Questions

How does the novel portray trauma?

The novel shows trauma as something that determines the entire course of life of individuals, through Anthony, and as something that is subconsciously influencing the person, through Kate. Anthony clearly remembers the moment his father died, and his entire life from that point on is veiled with the consciousness about his mortality. Kate doesn’t remember the moment her mother died, but the trauma subconsciously lingers, making her relive the moment every time there is a thunderstorm.

How does the novel explore romance and marriage?

The novel is set in the Georgian era, which makes romance and marriage interchangeable occurrences. This novel shows the classic trope of “enemies to lovers”. From the start, this tension between the two protagonist is set-Kate’s hatred towards Anthony comes from her prejudiced opinion, and Anthony responds in equal measure the Kate’s distaste. They, of course, find themselves in an uncompromising situation which makes the marriage between the two necessary and inevitable, and the true bond of love comes only after they explore each other.

What was Anthony’s relationship with Edmund, his father, like?

Anthony’s relationship with his father was a very close one. He was his parents’ first-born son, and his father expressed true joy over his birth, instead of the expected satisfaction of becoming an heir. Anthony notes that he doesn’t doubt that his father loved all the siblings equally, but he feels the special connection to him for having known him the longest and understanding him the best. Edmund’s death hits Anthony the most, and the novel shows how he never quite got over the trauma of that moment. His father was his role-model, the epitome of strength and manly power, so to be brought down by something as insignificant as a bee, devastated Anthony and put a mark on his future.