The interrelatedness of the plots, characters, and themes of this novel and the many issues it raises should provide numerous topics for group discussions. Those who have read Byatt's later and more popular novel Possession (1990), analyzed (see separate entry) will be interested to compare Byatt's first novel to it.

1. This novel did not sell very well until after the success of Possession. Is The Virgin in the Garden worth reading for its own sake, or is it mainly of interest as the first novel of the author of Possession?

2. What are some of the meanings of the title: what virgins, and what gardens, does Byatt suggest?

3. One of the many relationships Byatt suggests is pointed up by having Frederica Potter cast as the young Elizabeth in Alexander's play. What is the relationship between the life of Elizabeth I and that of Frederica Potter?

4. Why does Stephanie...