37 pages • 1 hour read
Charlotte McConaghyMigrations
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A 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 Franny’s suppression of certain memories shape the narrative and propel tension? How would the novel be different if Franny accurately recalled her entire past from the start?
Compare Migrations to another work of climate fiction, such as The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler or The Overstory by Richard Powers. What thematic similarities do these works share? What are some notable differences?
How does Franny’s reckless attitude in the face of danger relate to her avoidance of emotional trauma? How does Franny’s confrontation of trauma change her?
In Chapter 4, Franny is horrified by the sight of a taxidermized gull. Why does the image of the dead bird have such an impact on her?
How does the climate crisis in Migrations resonate with the current state of the world? What points does McConaghy make about how humanity relates to nature?
One of the key themes of Moby Dick is the futility of fighting against nature. How does this relate to Migrations? How are Ennis and Ahab similar, and in what ways are they different?
In Chapter 24, Franny says: “I am too numb for any more tears. Too animal now.” What does this quote mean? How does Franny identify with wild animals?
What is Migrations’ perspective on environmental conservation, and do you agree? Is there an unselfish way for humans to preserve the natural world?
How does John Torpey’s abandonment of his wife and daughter inform Franny’s attitude toward familial relationships?
Did Migrations seem to be building to a romantic relationship between Franny and Ennis? Why do you think McConaghy decides not to go there and to end on a different note?
