Rappaccini's Daughter

What is your opinion of Giovanni? Is he a likable character? Why did Hawthorne choose to depict him in such a way? How would the story be different if he were a typical Gothic hero?

How do you understand Beatrice’s character? What is your opinion of her? Why does she fall in love with Giovanni? Why does she have to die at the end?

Based on Beatrice’s character and her interactions with the three men, what do you think is the author’s attitude towards women?

What do you think Rappaccini represents? What about Baglioni?

Based on the three male characters, what do you think is the author’s view of men?

What does the garden represent? Why set the story in a garden?

How is the juxtaposition between nature and the city presented? What does it signify?

Do you think an alternative ending is possible?