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Mariette in Ecstasy
Ron Hansen. Harperperennial Library: 1992 (paperback). ISBN: 0060981180. 192 pages.
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About the Author
A page of detailed biographical information on Mariette in Ecstasy, including excerpts from interviews in which Hansen interprets his own work.
In a recent interview, Hansen admitted that the most important things about his identity as a writer are that he's from Nebraska, he's a twin, and he's Catholic. Now it's your job to figure out how these things are connected to his novel!
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which Mariette in Ecstasy is affiliated and a brief explanation of these connections, giving your book group the opportunity to understand Hansen’s novel in a larger literary perspective.
If you've never heard of the radical antics of medieval mystic Margery Kempe, we're happy to introduce you to her! In this section, we've also included background information on convent life, the Book of Hours, and mystical stigmata.
Talk Back to the Critics
Excerpts of some major critical reviews of Mariette in Ecstasy from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your book group to enjoy the opportunity to argue with expert opinion.
Here's one that should get your group talking: "[Mariette's] is a body that any man would choose. And if God has chosen her and not Sister Saint-Stanislas or Sister Saint-Luc, then what does that say about God? No wonder some of the sisters are disheartened, for if God in his heaven is behaving like any man on earth, then what is the point of the exhausting enterprise of daily spiritual life?"
Character Tree
A list of major characters and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
This is the kind of book which demands this section of our reading guides --unless you want to get your nuns all mixed up. Who's with Mariette in ecstasy, and who's against her? Which sisters play on both teams?
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in Mariette in Ecstasy, including ways these themes are interconnected.
What's up with all those cool little nature descriptions that head each section of Mariette in Ecstasy? Check out this section of our ReadSmartGuide to find out the vital themes that shape this novel.
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Mariette in Ecstasy evokes.
Is Mariette's ecstasy for real? Or is someone playing tricks with some shady stigmata? Either way, what does her sisters' response say about even the most devout believer's reaction to a "miracle"?
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in Mariette in Ecstasy to consider for future book group meetings or for private reading.
Did you get a kick out of reading about such an isolated and specialized community of people? Turn to this section to discover more of the world's best writing on ancient and modern utopias.
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