The Literature and Language Book Club will meet from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, August 16 in room 3N-6 at the Harold Washington Library Center to discuss So Big by Edna Ferber.
Here are some of the discussion questions from litlovers.com to consider as you read:
- Ferber offers readers an insight into rural life as exemplified by those in High Prairie. Talk about the hardships of those lives, especially in the absence of modern conveniences, even basic plumbing.
- How does Ferber portray Chicago in So Big? In what way does August Hempel exemplify urban society and its values, as opposed to life in High Prairie? What comparison is Ferber attempting to draw for her readers?
- What are the societal values that Dirk represents? Is he a sympathetic character? Does Salina sacrifice too much for him? Why does he turn away from what the teachings she attempted to instill in him? By the end of the novel, what, if anything, does Dirk come to understand?
