The London Séance Society: A Novel

Penner slowly reveals the truth of Morely’s nature, a trend that culminates in Morely’s confession of his wrongdoing in Chapter 19. How does Penner foreshadow Morely’s malfeasance? Examine at least three such instances and analyze the overall effect of these key details on the development of the plot.

Both Vaudeline and Morely have significant marks on their skin—Morely’s birthmark, and Vaudeline’s scar. Analyze the contrast between these characters’ attitudes toward their respective bodily markings. What do the marks connote for each character, and how does Penner use these differences to highlight each character’s approach to the world?

During their investigation, Lenna and Vaudeline visit a variety of women, from wealthy widows to sex workers. How does Penner use these scenes to insert a social commentary on class differences among women in Victorian London?

Lenna and Vaudeline sometimes pass the time by playing a game in which Vaudeline gives Lenna clues to a word she is thinking of, and Lenna must guess the word. How does this game characterize their relationship? How does the game-play change over the course of the novel, and what does this shift suggest? Use specific textual examples to support your analysis.

Choose one passage in the novel that employs dramatic irony and discuss how Penner uses irony to create tension.

How would this novel be different if Lenna’s sections were narrated in the first person? What stylistic benefits does Penner derive by relating Lenna’s experiences in the third person? Use specific examples to illustrate your point.

This novel features many examples of written correspondence. How does Penner employ such missives to heighten tension and deepen the mystery? Which letters are red herrings, and which serve a more symbolic role in the story?

How does the novel use the concept of spiritualism to address and explore more mundane aspects of Coping with Grief and loss?