Birnam Wood

Eleanor Catton stated that each character betrays either another person, themselves, or their ideals in some way. How does the novel depict the various types of betrayal?

The rifle described at the beginning is an example of foreshadowing, as it is used at the end to shoot the villain. What are other instances of foreshadowing in the novel? What does the foreshadowing do for the reader?

A lack of periods characterizes Tony’s voice, causing page-long, run-on sentences that make his ranting come to life. What are some examples of punctuation, syntax, or diction used to define other characters’ voices?

The “three-act structure” contains many small turning points that lead to a larger turning point at the end of each act. What are the major turning points of Parts I, II and II, and what are some smaller moments that build toward them?

In her interview with Miwa Messer, Catton states that she wants each character to be Macbeth. How does each character allude to Macbeth?

Catton uses old technology as objects to defy Lemoine, and yet these objects (the bicycle, analog camera, and rifle) were themselves once considered new technology. Choose one and research the outcries and arguments against it when it first appeared. How do these compare to Catton’s portrayal of contemporary technology?

Most of Catton’s characters have complex psychology, and the reader sees deeply into their points of view. Lemoine, however, isn’t as fleshed out. Why might Catton have made this choice? What could she add that would increase the reader’s understanding of his character?

The character of Rosie appears briefly, mostly in the periphery and a single, short section. What is Catton trying to say with this character? What does Rosie contribute to the novel?