Classics Challenge: ‘Indiana’ by George Sand Questions

Greetings, Challengers! As we continue along our merry, non-Atwood way here, let’s take a look at George Sand’s first novel, Indiana. Below are some starter questions to get the ole wheels turning and, on September 2, we’ll gather again to discuss.

1. What geographic contrasts does Sand provide throughout the novel and what do they add to the narrative?

2. Consider Indiana as a character. Is she a stunning illustration of the lack of rights for women in the mid-19th century or a weepy excuse for a heroine? (Or something else entirely!)

3. What do you make of the book’s Conclusion? Does it make the rest of the novel less powerful or provide important closure for readers?

For those of you having difficulty getting a copy or those of you who prefer to e-read your classic literature, Indiana is available free online in plain text (with illustrations from the 1900 edition) via the UPenn Digital Library’s celebration of women writers.

As always, your thoughts and questions are most welcome and I’ll see you back here on September 2.

–Corey