1. The problem of evil is an ancient philosophical topic. It absorbed Stevenson all of his life. Choose one of Stevenson's works and discuss how it addresses evil.

2. Discuss the part played by Scotland in Stevenson's works. Some readers have said that he was never more preoccupied with Scotland and her history than he was when in exile from his native land. Why is this?

3. Stevenson's works have been called "romances." Read Stevenson's defenses of romances as a literary genre. Do you think that Stevenson's points are valid?

Do you think that his works are romances? Why or why not?

4. Most critics agree that with Weir of Hermiston Stevenson succeeded in writing not a romance but a novel. Compare this uncompleted work with some of his earlier romances. What are some of the differences?

5. Read In the South Seas, "The Beach...