Consider Maggie's marriage to the Prince. Is it a marriage of love, or it the Prince simply an item, a relic, that Maggie and her father add to their collection?

Consider the idea presented in the first chapter of the novel that science is the "absence of prejudice backed by the presence of money." Do you believe this idea is correct? Why or why not?

Explore the symbolism of the golden bowl as it appears in different sections of the novel. What effect does it have on the various characters? Why is it so significant?

Consider Charlotte's actions. In what way is she responsible for the problems between Maggie and the Prince? Do you believe Charlotte is completely at fault or were there other circumstances that lead to her affair with the Prince? Explain your answer.

Describe Fanny Assingham's role in the novel. Do...