Arcadia

In Part 1, what are some signs that Arcadia will fail? What do these signs reveal about human nature and humans’ relationship with larger society?

Part 1 ends with Abe falling from the roof of Arcadia House. What does this scene foreshadow and/or symbolize?

What role does Handy play in Arcadia’s deterioration? How does this deterioration tie into his relationship with Abe?

What role does Verda play in the novel? Include evidence from the text to support your answer.

In Part 3, Bit struggles with the disappearance of his wife, Helle. In your opinion, why did she leave and where did she go? Include evidence from the text to support your answer.

Hannah and Abe are the foundation of Bit’s life, despite their flaws. How do they symbolize the importance of family, especially compared to other parents?

In Part 4, Bit returns to Arcadia. How does this Arcadia compare to that in Part 1? How does this change parallel the destruction of Earth?

Why are outsiders important in the context of Arcadia? Include evidence from the text to support your answer.