This Other Eden

Family legacy is an important theme in the novel. Trace the Honeys’ legacy from Benjamin and Patience Honey to the current Honeys of the novel. What similarities are there between the many Honeys, and what proof is there that the legacy of their ancestors lives with them?

Harding uses excerpts from fictional newspaper articles and museum exhibits to introduce information about the atmosphere on the mainland. How do these excerpts introduce the influence of eugenics in the decision to evict the islanders? How do they allude to the historic nature of the events of the book itself?

Imagery is used during the novel to impact the mood and tone of the plot. Select two instances of imagery and explain how they influence the mood and tone of the plot. Then, reimagine the same scene without such imagery; does it still hold dramatic effect?

Rabbit Lark plays a unique role in the novel, often moving in the periphery and observing the others on the island. What does Rabbit represent in the novel, and what purpose does her character serve? What can her death be said to symbolize?

What role does art play in the novel? Compare and contrast the ways in which Ethan uses drawing and painting and Zachary uses carving to express themselves. Does either character feel more stable in their relationship with their art?

The title of the novel is This Other Eden. What significance does this title hold to the plot of the novel, and in what ways do the events of the novel compare to the story of the Garden of Eden?

Patience Honey’s flag makes two appearances in the novel. Compare and contrast the significance of each moment in the context of the novel. What evolution occurs between the flag’s appearances?

Similes are used frequently in This Other Eden. Cite three examples of similes used to describe characters and explain how the similes impact the actions or emotions of the characters. Then, consider metaphor; would these sentences have the same effect if they used metaphor rather than simile?