August 2024

Pre-Reading Questions

1. What do you think it means for a person to feel trapped in their own life? How might they find ways to escape, even if their situation seems hopeless?

2. How can physical limitations, like blindness, affect a person's ability to navigate the world? What str

   ategies might they use to overcome these challenges?

3. In times of darkness or hardship, what kinds of things can serve as a source of light? Why might light or other symbols be powerful in providing comfort and inspiration?

4. How do you think people struggle with their humanity during difficult times, such as during a war? Can doing something good, even in a small way, help them regain their sense of humanity?

5. How do obstacles and fears, whether physical or emotional, influence a person's choices and actions? What might motivate someone to confront and overcome these fears?

Post-Reading Questions

1. How does Marie-Laure's blindness both trap and empower her throughout the story? Do you feel her blindness ultimately makes her a stronger character, or does it serve more as a constant obstacle?

   
   

2. Werner joins the Hitler Youth to avoid the mine pits, but finds himself trapped in another destructive system. Can we see his early choices as understandable survival tactics, or do they reflect a bigger failure to resist evil influences?

3. The professor's radio broadcasts talk about light and hope, serving as a beacon during dark times. How can light, both literal and metaphorical, provide hope in desperate situations? Can you think of other examples where light symbolizes hope in the story or in real life?

4. Do you think Marie-Laure would have been able to accomplish much if she had not been blind? How does her blindness impact your perception of her character and her actions?

   
   

5. Werner's fascination with science and radio technology pulls him into the orbit of the Nazi regime. Do you think his passion for science excuses or condemns his participation in the war? How do his actions reflect broader ethical dilemmas faced by scientists in wartime?

   
   

6. Marie-Laure and Werner's paths cross in the midst of chaos and destruction during World War II. Do you believe their brief connection had a lasting impact on their lives? What does their encounter suggest about the possibilities of human connection in times of conflict?

   
   

7. Daniel LeBlanc's devotion to his daughter, Marie-Laure, is evident in his teachings and the sacrifices he makes. How does his influence continue to shape Marie-Laure's character and choices after his disappearance? What does this say about the lasting impact of parental guidance?

8. The Sea of Flames diamond is believed to be cursed due to human greed. Do you think the curse is real or simply a reflection of how people's desires can lead to their downfall?

9. Radio broadcasts play a significant role in the story, from science programs to powerful propaganda. Do you think radios were more a force for good or evil in the novel? Consider the different kinds of broadcasts and their impacts on various characters.

   
   

10. Marie-Laure finds solace and escape in her Braille copy of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." Do you believe books have the power to profoundly affect our realities and outlooks on life? How does this notion apply to her experience and others in the story?

    
    

11. The piece "Claire de Lune" by Debussy is a recurring element connected to learning, resistance, and hope. How do you view the role of art and music during times of war and conflict, as depicted in the novel? What moments in the book highlight the importance of these cultural elements?