The Birth House

What role do books play in the novel? Think about the Willow Book and Dora’s favorite novels as well as the scientific books she reads.

At one point, Dora notes “there is something similar between Hart and Archer” (206). How are they similar and how are they different? How are these similarities and differences important to their relationships with Dora? Why does Dora refuse to marry Hart?

Like the Widow Bigelow, Dora is romantically involved with two Bigelow brothers. Compare and contrast the stories of the Widow Bigelow and Dora. How are they similar, and what sets them apart?

Miss B. journeys from Louisiana to Scots Bay based on a dream. How does Dora’s journey mirror Miss B.’s journey?

What are the different types of motherhood explored in the novel, and what is the author trying to say about motherhood in general?

Why is the novel entitled The Birth House even though the birth house is established at the end of the book?

Although many of Dr. Thomas’s “progressive” treatments are shown to be dangerous in the novel, not all progress is presented as bad. How does Dora navigate this tension? Should she take a more critical view of some of Miss B.’s obviously superstitious beliefs? Why or why not?

In the novel, many of the diagnoses and treatments given by Dr. Thomas are distinctly gendered. For example, he would never diagnose a man as “hysterical,” and even today, the word is used mostly to describe women. What other beliefs or actions in the book are gendered? How does this present in modern life?