As this novel is part of a series, many of the ideas for discussions are covered in the analysis of The Man With a Load of Mischief. Below are some additional discussion topics for this particular novel in the series.

1. Melrose Plant and Marshall Trueblood continue in this novel their attempts to stop Vivian Rivington's wedding. What effect do their efforts have?

2. Grimes's characterization of children is often praised, and child characters are particularly prominent in The Old Contemptibles. What makes these children appealing?

3. Does Grimes assume that the read er is familiar with her previous novels, or is this one completely understandable to a reader unfamiliar with the rest of the series?

4. What is the purpose of the many references to the Lake Poets: do they merely provide local color, or do they have greater significance?

5. Many minor, recurring characters appear or at least are...