Inheritance

How does Cleo’s presence shape Sonya’s decisions and emotional growth, and how does their relationship contribute to the overall progression of the plot?

Examine the recurring imagery of music throughout the novel. How does music function as a symbolic device to serve as a bridge between different periods?

Choose three specific ghosts—other than Hester—and examine how their presence serves deeper narrative purposes. How does each ghost choose to interact with the physical world, and what effect do these moments have on Sonya’s exploration of The Interplay Between Past and Present?

What symbolic or thematic functions do the dogs—particularly Yoda—serve within the story? How does their presence affect the tone and mood of key moments in the novel?

Focus on the artistic works of Cleo and Andrew. What role does art play in Inheritance, and how does its presence enhance the mystery of the Poole family’s dark past?

How does Inheritance adhere to the conventions of Gothic fiction and embody the genre’s hallmark elements? Additionally, how does Roberts work to challenge or modernize the traditional tropes of Gothic fiction? Use specific examples to support your response.

How does Sonya’s relationship with the manor and its history force her to undergo an internal transformation throughout the novel? Use specific examples to support your interpretation.

What significance does Sonya’s career as a graphic designer hold within the narrative? Why does the novel dedicate considerable attention to her clients and creative process?