1. What resemblances do you find between The Moonstone and other books you've read (in use of servant narrator, multiple narratives, search for perpetrator of crime, etc.)? [Maria Edgeworth's Castle Rackrent, Dickens' Bleak House, Bronte's Wuthering Heights]
2. In what ways does this book resemble other mid-Victorian poems and novels, including those by his close friend Charles Dickens?
3. How does this novel differ from some of the others we have read? Which of its features are identified with "popular" or "sensation" fiction?
4. What is unusual about the novel's mode of narration? How do the different narratives complement each other?
5. What effect does the existence of multiple narratives have on the reader's assumptions about truth?
6. What function is served by the preface? What do we know of the character and circumstances of the original ancestor who brought the diamond from India? What seems to be the source of British imperial wealth?
7. What symbolic/allegorical meanings seem attached to the diamond? How do we know?
8. Does any symbolism attach to the use of names in this book?
9. To what kind of ideal reader does this novel seem to address itself? What is notable about the narrator's relationship to the reader?
What is the effect of constant reminders to the reader to pay attention, note something which may be useful later, etc.?
10. What facts about Gabriel Betteredge are offered to confirm the reliability of his account? What are his traits of character, and how do these serve the narrative?
11. How reliable is his narrative as a documentary? How can you tell?
12. How reliable are his judgments of people and situations? Is he accurate in assessing the behavior of his employers?
How does his own class position affect his descriptions and judgments?
13. Are there situations in which he inexplicably refuses to report what he knows, or to act, and if so, how do you explain these lapses?
14. What effect is provided by the many comments and intrusions of Gabriel's daughter Penelope?
15. What are some features of the novel's style and tone? What are some instances of irony?
16. Does the novel offer any critique of the aristocratic characters it describes? Of the British class system?
17. How are the Indian guests treated by the household? Which of their rituals is observed, and how are we supposed to interpret this?
18. What view of Indian culture/reality seems conveyed by the portrayal of their clairvoyant powers?
19. Are the characters portrayed with depth? What do we learn about the motives of Mr. Franklin? Godfrey? Rachel? Rosanna? Would you say that a strong feature of this book was its characterizations?
20. What are some comic aspects of the novel?
21. Why do you think the Captain gives the diamond to Rachel rather than Lady Julia? What unusual features of the will give rise to speculation?
22. Which aspects of Godfrey's character are shown to be hypocritical? What critique of the world of philanthropy does Collins seem to be making?
23. What use does this book make of national stereotypes? Are these "naturalized"?
24. What is the effect of the constant appeal to chronology?
25. To what degree does this novel create or utilize stereotypes? Undercut them?
26. What is the function of the different forms of address used by the characters? How do middle-class persons seem to address servants?
27. What role is served by Murthwaite? What is the significance of his recognition that the Indians are men of high caste?
28. Chapter 11: What mistakes are committed which led to the theft of the diamond? The significance of loosing the dogs in the yard?
later: What emphasis is placed on professional specialties? How has the treatment of police officers and detectives changed since Mary Barton?
Who is finally revealed as the thief, and what are elements of the scene in which he is unmasked? Who is the uncoverer of the guilty secret?
What is the significance of the Indian ending, as recounted by Murthwaite? What penance must the Indians undergo, and what meaning do you see in this?
How are the diamond and romantic plots intertwined? Is the ending appropriate? What moral does it seem to suggest, if any?
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