Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Book Club Forum 4: Cleopatra's Daughter: A novel

Book Selection Status: READ
Month: June 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction Literature:
Book of the Month: Cleopatra's Daughter: A novel
Author: Michelle Moran
Question source: http://www.michellemoran.com/

Discussion Questions:
1.  What, if any, elements of the ancient Roman world seem similar to life today?

2.  In the beginning of the novel, Octavian comes across as a ruthless man willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power. Does anything change as the story progresses? How do you feel about him in the end? Did your feelings change at all? Why do you think he treats Selene the way he does as the novel closes?

3.  Selene has a complex relationship with Julia. Do her feelings about Julia change during the course of the novel? If so, why?

4.  Octavian/Augustus governed Rome for decades; sometimes with guile, often with ruthless force. In the novel we see his use of assassinations (of rivals, real and imagined), as well as collective punishment following the attempt on his life. Can this leadership style be justified by his focus on order and stability? In their quest for these, what boundaries should leaders never cross?
    5.  Selene has two romantic interests in the novel. How does her attitude and character change as she matures and passes from one romance to the other?

    6.  Octavia shows tremendous compassion for the adopted children placed in her care. How would you have responded to a betrayal like that of Antony?

    7.  The slave trials described in the novel were real examples of Roman collective punishment. How does the administration of justice in classical times differ from the modern ones we know today?

    8. Was the Roman system of law, administration, learning and empire a net gain or net loss for those that it conquered?

    9.  Egypt has always fascinated outsiders, including in this novel, Julia. Why?

    10.  Omen, superstitions, and protection by family spirits play a significant part in the novel and in Roman life. What is the source of these widespread human traditions, and how do such emotions and habits express themselves today?

    11. How does the Roman attitude to marriage, sex, and promiscuity compare to our own?

    3 comments:

    Tysheena said...

    To Question 1:

    It is evident that human behavior tends to repeat itself with each and every generation because even in Ancient Rome the concept of work, slavery, family, class, law, moral judgement, religion,and education is still present today.

    Moreover, the need to establish leadership (president), celebrations (house parties), commerce (Mall, mini malls, Farmer's Markets, corner stores, etc.), Skill Trade (architect, engineer,mosaic tile maker, contractors, carpenters, textile fabric makers etc.) entertainment (Theater, race track), and the concept and usage of military are a few elements that show how the Ancient Roman World is simular to life today.

    To Question 2:

    To be honest, throughout this book I never disliked Octavian. What he lacked in physicality and age he made up for with wisdom of utilization of his two loyal 'resources' (Aggripa, and Juba). In the end Octavian redeems all the tragedy and loss he bestowed on Selene and Juba and actually grants them both a happy ending. He treats Selene with regard because she saved his life, she is willing to be useful, learn, and apply those skils of architecture to benefit Rome even though her heart desires to return to Egypt. Moreover, she is Cleopatra's beautiful daughter,and it would have been a pity to kill off, or sell such a prized possession.

    Tysheena said...

    To Question 3:

    Selene at first resents Julia, but Selene later comes to understand the degree of loneliness Julia lives with on a daily basis. Unlike Selene, Julia's mother is alive and well, but yet she is forbidden to see her whenever she wants; her step mother is bitter, selfish, and cold; Julia has no sisters or blooded siblings; and has a ruthless father who considers her as a possession soon to be marketable.

    To Question 4:

    Octavian's leadership style can be justified for order and stability. However, A leader must never cross the line of abusing his priviledges to obtain justice. The same law that governs the citizens should be the same for the leader.

    Selene is first enfactuated with eye candy Marcellus in girl crush kind of way. When it becomes clear that he is promised to Jullia, she has no choice but to suppress her feelings for him. However, as she gets older she begins to notice Juba's prescence more along with his particular acute attention to her. She as well becomes grateful for his attentativeness and generosity. However she doesn't see him as her type because Juba's is known for his swiftness of combat and carrying out the dreadfull blood shed demands of Octavian. Unfortunately this appears to be a turn off for Selene.

    To question 6:

    Octavia was very open minded and kind. She took her ex's children and treated them as her own. I would have done the same. Children do not ask to be born, and they should not have to suffer because they are innocent.

    Moreover these kids were motherless and fatherless, at the hands of her brother. Guilt for such familial actions makes such a task of caring for these children a heartfelt obligation rather than another burden.

    To Question 7:

    In ancient Roman times the justice system was corrupt. The trial was judged by the same group council men who could be easily persuaded in favor to the highest bidder. Unlike today trials are watched and voted upon by a jury along with a judge. The jury consist of people from all walks of life, race, creed, and color.

    To Question 8:

    It was a net loss, because those that were conquered could not benefit from it.

    To Question 9:

    Egypt fascinates people, like Julia because Egyptians were innovative thinkers. Such thinking kept them a step ahead and more interesting than other regions. They make things 'out of the ordinary' grand, appealing, and desirable (pyramids, statues, religious belief in half animal/human deities, clothing, garments, excessive jewerly, makeup...etc). Compared to the ornate queen of Egypt, the women of Rome were simple and plain. Which is why Julia admired Egypt's fabrics, attire and forms feminine beauty enhancing makeup.

    To Question 10:

    The source...Well...People of ancient Roman times needed reasons to explain unexplained occurences. Mythology and the the stories that accompany it play a great part in explaining the source and purpose of statue gods that were worshiped and revered.

    To Question 11:

    Based on the Divorce rate, sexually transmitted disease, the rainbow clubs, and talk shows condemning cheating partners today, it is quite similar to the Ancient Roman attitude to marriage, sex, and promiscuity. The only difference is that now arranged marriage has faded from many customs; Women can choose who they prefer to marry; and heterosexual relationships are public and in some provinces they can wed.

    MsFinney said...

    1.This is still a male dominated society and where constant questioning of authority and rebellion.

    8. I would say both. What Roman capture among world is benefit but their politics was always dirty there it’s a loss.

    9. We are so fascinated with Egypt, because their culture, architecture, etc. was way beyond their time. Foundation of world culture are based on ancient Egypt.

    10. Often what couldn’t be expand people would make up story that would give you comfort for not knowing the unknown. These stories get based down from generation to generation often with different variations and people rely on this superstition and myth to explain what they cannot. Because are always incline to reason everything and then to rely on our own understanding.

    11. Romans married often and most of time isn’t for love but for power and prestige. This is often the case with those who are in power now; their marriage mate is someone that in some way brings benefit to the union. The poor mostly always marry for love.
    Sex and Promiscuity is not as dismissive and it was in Romans times, however it is still done.