One avenue for discussion of What's Bred in the Bone is the elaborate narrative apparatus for this novel. Discussions might revolve around whether it is necessary, whether it illuminates Francis Cornish's character or creates confusion, or whether it is intended to be taken seriously or satirically. A second avenue for discussion is the theme of fakery in the world of art. In particular, Davies introduces the issue of the painter's intention as an element in judging the merits of a picture. One might want to consider whether the artist's intentions are as important as they are made to appear in this novel.

A third avenue for discussion might be to consider whether Davies has succeeded in giving the reader a comprehensive biography of Francis Cornish.

At the beginning of the novel, Simon Darcourt is lamenting that the pieces he has in the Cornish puzzle "don't add...