Rules

Rules emerge in different ways in the novel. What is the significance of the novel’s title, Rules? Reflect on these and other points as you answer.

• How does each chapter title contribute to the chapter and overall book?
• Why does Catherine develop these rules?
• When does a rule become especially important to a character?
• What rules repeat in different scenes?
• When is breaking the rules significant?

Teaching Suggestion: Each chapter title is a rule. One way to encourage close rereading would be to ask small groups of students to focus on 1-2 of the chapters and their titles. Students might also choose a rule and trace where it applies to different scenes, even if it is not overtly repeated by the author. One way to ensure all voices are heard and to conclude the discussion might be to conduct a wrap-around share. Each student quickly shares their answer without having to explain. Students share in a known order (around the circle, or up and down rows). One question for such a wrap-around could be “What is the most important rule?”

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who have kinesthetic or interpersonal talents or learning styles could benefit from acting out the rules. This might help the class review key ideas before the rest of the discussion.