Monkey Beach

Lisa struggles to build lasting friendships among her peers. However, she has strong relationships with family members, including Jimmy, Tab, Ma-ma-oo, and Mick. Choose one of these family relationships. Define what Lisa and her relative have in common, as well as how they are different. Explain why these similarities and differences matter within Monkey Beach.

Lisa’s ability to communicate with spirits is an integral aspect of Monkey Beach. Discuss how various characters throughout the novel perceive her ability differently. How does Lisa’s own perception of her ability change over the course of the novel in relation to how others treat her?

Choose one of Monkey Beach’s minor characters, such as Al, Gladys, Trudy, or Barry. Explore their significance for the novel. How do they exemplify or provide contrast to Monkey Beach’s major themes?

Erica and Julie represent female characters who are very different from Lisa. In what ways do they challenge Lisa’s view of the world? What role do they play in the formation of Lisa’s personality, goals, or actions?

Monkey Beach shifts back and forth between Lisa’s memories of her youth, and the present time marked by Jimmy’s disappearance. What is the impact of these sometimes abrupt and rapid shifts? How would the novel be different if it were structured according to a strict chronological order?

The main story of Monkey Beach is periodically interrupted by non-narrative interludes, such as the passages in which Lisa discusses the anatomy of a heart, the making of oolichan grease, and the uses of oxasuli. Choose one of the novel’s interludes and discuss what effect it has within the novel and how it relates to the novel’s key themes. 

Examine the theme of nature within Monkey Beach. How do various characters relate to the natural world? How does a connection to nature relate to the novel’s discussions of the living and the dead?

Robinson’s novel mentions mythological creatures, like the sasquatch or B’gwus, the ogress T’sonoqua, Weegit the Raven, and the Stone Man. What do the discussions of these creatures contribute to Monkey Beach? Compare and contrast at least two examples to demonstrate your argument.