The Violin Conspiracy

Ghostly encounters are frequent in the novel, from Ray’s ancestors to Janice in the Epilogue. What is the effect of this motif?

Choose one of the musical pieces that Ray plays throughout the novel and explore its origins. Why do you think the author chose to include that piece, and what relationship does it have to the novel’s themes?

Ray’s violin is worth millions of dollars; however, it’s also shown to have both sentimental value in connecting Ray to his heritage and practical value in being a superior tool for playing music. Analyze the symbol of the violin in relationship to the character development of one character in the novel.

Ray supports his family members and seeks his mother’s approval throughout the novel, even after they treat him horribly. Explore Slocumb’s treatment of protagonist and antagonist figures in the novel.

Leon firmly believed in the value of respect, even when he grew up surrounded by cruelty. Later, Ray displays this same belief. Explore the theme of inheritance throughout the novel.

Janice goes the extra mile to take a chance on Ray, nurture him, and support him even though they haven’t known each other very long. Examine the role of mothers and maternal figures in the novel.

Analyze the language with which Slocumb tells Leon’s story in Chapter 33. What is the effect of using this language? How does it compare to the language used in the rest of the novel?

In the closing author’s note, Slocumb states that some of the plot’s events are drawn from real life. Explore the effects of verisimilitude in the novel.