1. How does Black Jack survive the hanging? Does his method seem believable? Why or why not?

2. Throughout the story, Garfield frequently describes Dr. Carmody, especially his head. What do his physical characteristics reveal about him?

3. What is Hatch's job with Dr. Carmody? Why is Tolly not very good at it?

4. Mrs. Arbuthnot constantly foretells some form of impending doom for Dr.

Carmody. Why? Do her prophecies ever come true?

5. Before Belle ever appears, her insanity is described. It soon becomes obvious that she cannot keep her thoughts straight. Why does she get better? Is her transformation believable?

6. Though the story takes place almost entirely on land, the novel is full of seafaring metaphors. Find some of them and explain how they add to the story.

7. When Belle remembers who she is, "a plague of cheerfulness" overtakes those around her. Is this an apt metaphor...