Essay Topics
Discuss Daverley’s exploration of grief in Talking at Night. How do Rosie and Will each cope with loss, and how does their grieving process impact their relationship?
Examine the significance of the novel's recurring imagery of light and darkness. How do these motifs reflect the characters’ inner conflicts, particularly concerning their feelings for each other?
What part do music and poetry play in Rosie's process of self-discovery? In what ways does her relationship with writing mirror her internal conflicts and emotional development?
How do Rosie and Will's contrasting personalities, backgrounds and traumatic experiences shape their relationship? How does Daverley’s characterization of her dual protagonists highlight The Individualized Nature of Mental Health?
Analyze the importance of friendship in the novel. How does Will’s view of his friendship with Josh evolve over the course of the story? How does Rosie's relationship with Marley support and challenge her?
Consider the arc of Will and Rosie’s relationship. How does the novel address the differences between teenage love, emerging adult romance, and adult relationships?
What role does the setting play in the story? Consider the seaside locations versus inland settings. Why does Daverley suggest the outdoors is so crucial to Will’s mental health?
Discuss the sibling relationships portrayed in the novel through Will's closeness with Amber and Rosie’s connection with Josh. How does Daverley use these relationships to explore The Challenges of Complex Family Dynamics and Relationships?
Contrast Gran’s style of parenting to that of Mrs. Winters. How do Will and Rosie’s upbringings shape them as adults? What does the novel have to say about the role of parents in a person’s life?
Examine the novel’s portrayal of guilt and shame in the story. How does Will and Rosie's struggle with these feelings shape their decisions and relationships? In what ways does Daverley use the guilt and shame Will and Rosie experience to emphasize The Significance of Unspoken Words and Repressed Emotions?
