1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Cutting for Stone". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Cutting for Stone". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Cutting for Stone". Consider the death of Mike as an random act of nature, and the death of Luis as the result of conscious violence. Consider also in your answer the death of innocence in Rick from the beginning of the book to the end.

Essay Topic 2

The meeting of Genet and Marion is complex and confusing. It is unclear whether or not Genet spitefully and knowingly infected Marion with the diseases that would threaten his life, or if it is an unexpected and unfortunate side effect of a lifelong obsession. Marion's time with Genet is also disturbing because he essentially rapes Genet in his bed, forcefully having sex with her, ripping through her circumcision scars. He doesn't seem to care that Genet is bleeding all over his bed, or that he is hurting her, because he is finally claiming what he believes is his. Despite his violent reintroduction to Genet, Marion cannot stop the fantasy of being with Genet forever.

1. Do you think, knowing Genet's character, it is likely she knowingly infected Marion? Why or why not? What do you think would be her motivation for consciously infecting him? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Marion's treatment of Genet was rape? Why or why not? Would you consider it a criminal act, if not outright rape? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the problem Marion has perceiving reality in relation to Genet when he still thinks about marrying her and being with her for the rest of his life. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Over the course of "Cutting for Stone", Marion grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Cutting for Stone" might be considered a slice of Marion's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that the story is a "bildungsroman" of Marion. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Marion as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Marion?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Marion's growth throughout "Cutting for Stone", do you think the book could be considered Marion's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Cutting for Stone" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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