The Paper Palace

The novel takes its name from the home in Cape Cod where the Bishops vacation each year. How has this setting influenced the characters in the book? Make an argument and use examples from the text to support your thesis.

How was Elle influenced by both male and female characters and how do these gender and family dynamics affect her growth throughout this novel?

Who is protected in this novel? Who offers protection? Make an argument that describes how the theme of protection influenced and affected the characters in this novel.

In understanding the past and the present of different characters in this novel, we see how they deal with the consequences of their actions. Choose one character and make an argument about their growth (or lack of growth) throughout The Paper Palace.

Why does Heller choose to use The Paper Palace as the novel’s title? How does it relate to the theme “Facing Reality?”

How does the motif of water change throughout the novel? Is it a positive or negative influence; does it mirror Elle’s struggle and character development?

Is Elle able to move past the effects of male domination on her life? Why or why not?

Consider a supporting character such as Anna or Wallace. What role did they play in Elle’s life? How did they influence her decisions in both the past and present?