Water for Elephants

Who is the villain of the story: August, with his sociopathic cruelty, or Al, with his destructive pride? What does the relationship between these two characters say about the nature of hierarchies of abuse?

Marlena is a flat character for most of the narrative. What causes her stagnation? Why is this a significant element of the novel?

Why were people so drawn to circuses during the 1930s? What motivated them to spend the little money they had on a ticket?

Analyze the effect of the dual narration. Which narrator is more compelling, the young Jacob or the elderly Jacob?

Describe how the author humanizes Rosie the elephant. How does this affect the story? Did you find it believable? Why or why not?

Was Walter and Camel’s murder indirectly Jacob’s fault? Analyze the author’s choice for Jacob to leave them unarmed and unattended while he attempts to kill August.

How does the author bring to life the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the circus? Cite examples of sensory imagery that conveys the experience.

Analyze the treatment of women in the novel. How does it reflect the period and specifically the circus environment?