Calico Captive

Analyze the character of Miriam Willard. How does she change and grow throughout the novel? Include text evidence from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel.

Discuss the theme of Survival and Resilience in the novel. Choose one secondary character and examine how they demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

Analyze the historical context of Calico Captive. How does the French and Indian war influence the events and characters in the story?

Discuss the relationship between Miriam and Pierre. What features attract Miriam to Pierre? What ultimately leads to her rejection of his marriage proposal?

Analyze the role of gender in the novel. In the mid-1700s, gender roles were extremely rigid. How does Miriam meet and subvert the expectations of a young woman at the time?

Phineas Whitney is absent from all but the first chapter of the novel. How does he influence the events of the novel even while absent?

Compare and contrast Phineas Whitney and Pierre Laroche. In particular, consider how they treat Miriam, and how Miriam interacted with both men.

Examine a character who embodies a cultural clash within the novel. Did that character eventually assimilate? Why or why not?