1. Why do the Monarchs feel awkward about
announcing their motives when they first come to the narrator's studio?
Contrast their approach with that of Oronte.
2. Why is the narrator afraid the Monarchs
will prove artistic? Are they?
3. Which pair of models do you think deserves
the greatest respect: The Monarchs, or Miss Churm and Oronte? Why?
4. What does the narrator like to draw when
the Monarchs are modeling? Why?
5. What is Jack Hawley's role in the story?
Why does the narrator need his opinion? Why does he hesitate to take his
advice?
6. Why does the narrator think it good to
have the Monarchs as his servants rather than his models?
7. How serious are the narrator's artistic
ambitions? Do you agree with his theory of art? Is he "the real thing"
as an artist? As a person?
8. What/who is the "real thing"
in the story?
9. Outline
what is accomplished in each of the four sections of the story with regards
to:<1>. the unfolding of the plot;< 2>. the development of
the Monarchs' characters; <3>. the development of the narrator's
character; and <4>. the exploration of the story's theme.
10. What does the story suggest about the
relationship between art and reality? Between art and morality? How are
these conflicts embodied in the final episode?
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