Stella Maris

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Part 2, Chapters 4-5

Part 3, Chapters 6-7

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How does the novel use Alicia’s hallucinations to explore The Subjective Nature of Reality? Alicia views her hallucinations as real even as she recognizes that they are products of her mind and that no one else can see them. How does she reconcile this apparent contradiction?

How does the bond between Alicia and her father shape the narrative and contribute to the novel’s themes? How does she reconcile herself with the destructive legacy of her father’s work?

Explore the symbolism of the title Stella Maris in McCarthy’s novel. How does the name relate to the overarching themes and motifs within the story?