Discussion Questions

Hourglass Door Discussion Questions:

  1. The author references several classic works of literature: Dante’s Divine Comedy, Virgil’s Aenied, Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing. How do those references support the love story of Abby and Dante? What do you know about the plots and themes of those classic works that add meaning to The Hourglass Door?
  2. Abby tells Dante that someday she’s going to do something unexpected, something just for her. What was the most unexpected thing you have ever done? Why is it important to try new adventures?
  3. One of the recurring themes of The Hourglass Door is keeping secrets and telling the truth. Are there times when keeping a secret is necessary? Should you lie in order to protect a secret? Or is the old adage “honesty is the best policy” always the best policy?
  4. Abby and Jason have been friends since childhood. What role does friendship play in romantic relationships?
  5. Abby has a specific answer for the question on the Emery College application: “What would you do with a million dollars?” How would you answer that question?
  6. Names play an important part in the story. Discuss what role the names “Beatrice,” “Dante,” and “Leo” play in the story. What does your name mean?
  7. When Dante explains about the river and bank to Abby, he asks her, “Do you know what it’s like, Abby? To be forever denied the one thing that you long for most of all?” What is the one thing you long for most? What is preventing you from achieving it?
  8. The night of the Valentine’s Dance, Dante gives Abby a question, a secret, and a truth. Before you knew the truth of the secret Dante was keeping, what did you think it was?
  9. Leo’s first rule is to keep the balance in order to prevent insanity. How do you keep a balance in your life? What happens to your life when things are out of balance?
  10. Zo figures out how to release the pressure he feels from being outside the bounds of time through his music. What is the relationship between emotion and art? What pieces or types of art (music, movies, literature) provide the greatest release for you from the pressures of the world?