The Paying Guests

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Part 2, Chapters 7-10

Part 3, Chapters 11-14

Part 3, Chapters 15-17

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

The aftereffects of World War I haunt The Paying Guests. What effect does the war continue to have on 1922 English society? How does it affect the women differently than the men?

Frances often accuses Mrs. Wray of being a “Victorian.” How do intergenerational conflicts drive the interactions between Frances and others in her society? How does this affect her relationship with her mother?

When Lilian swings the stand-ashtray at Leonard, she claims it was an accident. However, as the novel unfolds, her motives become more suspect. Is she lying? Does the evidence against her outweigh the evidence in her favor?