61 pages • 2 hours read
Paul G. TremblayA Head Full of Ghosts
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does Tremblay paint Meredith “Merry” Barrett / “Karen Brissette” as an unreliable narrator? In what way does he paint her narrative and motives as suspect? How does Merry being an unreliable narrator impact the book’s plot and tone?
How does lying work as a motif in the novel, whether characters are lying to one another or to themselves? Explore how these lies appear, who tells them, and to whom. How do distortions of truth drive the plot and shape the narrative?
Choose another work of horror or gothic fiction or nonfiction and explore similarities and differences between it and A Head Full of Ghosts. Refer to “Karen Brissette’s” blog entries for options.
What role does the genre of reality TV play in the novel? Before The Possession begins filming, Merry is already a fan of River Monsters and Finding Bigfoot. Does her interest in reality TV influence how she reacts to the filming in her house? What does she learn about the process of filming a production like this one when it is happening in her own home?
Explore Merry’s behaviors and interactions as both a child and an adult. How does Marjorie Barrett respond to Merry before her mental illness appears to impact her actions? How do Merry’s parents respond to her? How does the film crew see her? Does Merry understand the impression that she is making in retelling her story to Rachel and through her blog? Use evidence from the text to support your response.
Why is Merry so eager to show Rachel her collection of horror? Why is she so forthcoming and excited to disclose to Rachel that she is “Karen Brissette”? What does Merry hope to achieve in encouraging Rachel to read her blog? Is Merry able to anticipate that Rachel’s reaction might not be what Merry hopes it will be?
How do men define and command the narrative and approach to Marjorie and her illness? How do they manipulate and ignore her experience in the service of their own needs? Why does Sarah Barrett (“Mom”) acquiesce despite her pervasive misgivings?
When Marjorie begins displaying symptoms of her illness, she describes in graphic detail how she would like to rip Merry’s tongue out. What does this interaction say about Merry and how Marjorie and others perceive her?
Discuss the relationship between Mom and Marjorie. What is unique about the bond that they share, and what are some elements that Tremblay employs in the narrative to demonstrate their intimacy? Why does Mom allow John Barrett (“Dad”) to take over the situation and restructure their collective approach to Marjorie’s treatment? How does she manage her guilt over her complicity?
What tone and content do you imagine will emerge in the final draft of Rachel’s book? How will Rachel frame the story of Marjorie’s illness? How do you think she will portray Merry?
