Like most of Capote's novels, The Grass Harp features eccentric characters, themes of misdirected love and individual isolation, extensive and unique symbolism, and poetic physical descriptions of settings and characters. Readers may be interested in identifying the autobiographical elements and their parallels in other Capote works. Because the characters' interaction with society is more important in The Grass Harp than is most of Capote's other fiction, the novel should be evaluated for its social portraiture and criticism.

1. Collin and Riley share several characteristics: Both young men are orphans, but Collin's life is dominated by his aunt/guardian, Verena Talbo, while Riley has won his independence from his uncle. Compare their personalities, and explain why their lives take different directions.

2. To the townspeople, Verena Talbo seems to be strong and practical, while her sister Dolly is weak and perhaps a little silly. Verena controls the household and...