Discussion Guides
Suggested discussion points
• Mana—the mystical, spiritual power that, in Hawaiian tradition, is said to exist in the
bones of the dead (and other objects)—is a prominent feature of the story. Does After
the Bones assert that mana is real and actually affects events? To what degree do the
characters believe in mana?
• Faith in things unseen, trust in strangers, belief in love are challenges for most of
the characters. How does each character approach those challenges?
• Which characters actively deceive others? Which of them, ironically, must risk
believing in others?
• Kamehameha the First has been dead 46 years when the story begins. What are
the various attitudes the different characters have toward Hawai`i's first total ruler? What
do those views reveal about the characters?
• Mark Twain appears as a supporting character throughout the story. What pivotal
roles does he play in the story?
• Several of Twain's actual letters from Hawai`i exhibit contradictory views on both
ancient Hawaiians and on American missionaries; what might that reveal about Twain
and his times?
• The British assassin, Brown, comes to `Ike for medicinal help. Does he believe in
the old practices? Or has he simply run out of options? Did he know what would be
involved? Why didn't Brown ever put the bones around his neck himself ?
• Delaware Flinn and Mac Ducain are two actors / con men. Which of the two is most
compelling?
• What subsequent Mark Twain characters share similar traits with Delaware and
Mac?
• Many ancient Hawaiian traditions and practices are described in After the Bones.
Did those descriptions add to your enjoyment of the novel, or detract from it? Why?
• In the Author's Note at the beginning of After the Bones, the author writes that,
aside from the fictional events and fictional people, the story does not violate accepted
history. How can fictional events not violate history?
• What aspects of the main characters do you admire or distrust?
• What are the most significant interactions between the characters?
• What scenes reveal most about their underlying motives?
• Were their motives believable? Were you satisfied by the resolutions of their
conflicts?
• Which characters would you like to know more about?
• What are the themes of After the Bones? How do the plot and symbolism support
those themes?
• What is the central metaphor of After the Bones? What contemporary cultural
believes are challenged by After the Bones?
• What did you learn about 19th century Hawai`i that you did not know before?
After the Bones
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| Discussion Guide for Marley's Ghost and A Christmas Carol |