Elsewhere

What role does the subplot involving Betty and Curtis play in the novel? How do their storylines (independently and as a couple) compare to Liz and Owen’s?

Elsewhere uses several analogies to describe the nature of human existence; the orientation video Liz watches compares it to a circle and a line, Esther describes it as a tree with branches and roots, and Liz herself eventually compares it to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. How do each of these analogies contribute to Zevin’s portrayal of human life?

Several boats feature prominently in Elsewhere: Owen’s tugboat, the SS Nile, and the gondola on Liz’s pocket watch. Discuss the significance in terms of the novel’s overall use of water imagery.

Liz is initially very upset about the prospect of getting younger, but ultimately concludes it isn’t particularly different from aging. How does Zevin use the idea of getting younger to explore issues related to aging and mortality?

What role do the dogs Sadie, Jen, Paco, and Lucy play in the novel? Why might Zevin have chosen to devote a large amount of time to non-human characters?

While talking to her grandmother about Curtis, Liz says “Saying you’re through with romance is like saying you’re done with living, Betty” (224). Discuss this statement in light of the novel’s overall themes.

The topic of forgiveness comes up several times in Elsewhere (Liz forgiving Amadou, Jen forgiving Owen, Betty’s daughter forgiving her, etc.) How does this relate to the broader idea of “choosing happiness”?

Consider the avocations different characters choose after arriving in Elsewhere. What do their choices say about them? What do they say about their attitude towards their lives on Earth?