Consider the relationships between men and women in the novel. How does their sexuality affect it?

Anna's emotions become caught up in her fertility. Is this obsession healthy for her? For her family?

Why is this novel called The Rainbow?

Ursula wants to pursue a career of her own but must follow the direction of her parents. Does this situation reflect the period that she lives in or is it applicable to modern parents and children?

In a novel that focuses so much on heterosexual passion, how do the homosexual characters such as Miss Inger and Tom Brangwen (Junior) fit in?

Many of the characters have a complicated relationship with formal education. Compare and contrast the educational experiences of two characters. To what extent does this apply to the great English population during this period?

How does Lydia's Polish heritage affect the other characters...