A Red, Red Rose is marketed as a “cozy mystery,” which is defined as a mystery set in a small, picturesque town or village inhabited by characters readers can see as their own neighbors and friends. Do you agree that the novel fits this genre?
Major Themes in A Red, Red Rose:
Cultural Clashes:
Ashby is a city girl from the north and Luke is a native of rural Virginia. This leads to some conflict between them. Cite other deeper cultural clashes evident in A Red, Red Rose.
Family Ties And Bloodlines:
Family heritage is a strong theme in the novel. Cite examples evident in various characters. Be sure to consider Hunter and Monica, Ashby’s birth parents Marian and Wash and the concept of adoption.
Finding Self:
Ashby states in the Prologue that she wants to find her roots and discover who she really is. To what extent does she succeed? At one point she writes in her diary: “I feel like a big sister who’s all grown up and learning to take responsibility for somebody other than Ashby Overton.” Discuss other evidence of Ashby’s “growing up.” Are other characters also in search of self? Discuss.
History:
Ashby feels the Overton family is “obsessed with history.” To what degree is history involved in the plot and theme of the novel?
Revenge and Retribution:
Cite some examples in A Red, Red Rose. How does this theme tie in with other major themes? How does Lenore’s death figure in this?
Back To Nature:
Ashby experiences technological problems at rural Overhome, yet comes to appreciate the natural beauty around her. How does this lend to Ashby’s character development as well as to the plot?
Other Ideas and Literary Techniques to Consider:
Parallels:
Both Ashby and Luke have lost their parents in accidents. Are there other parallels in the novel? Why would the author use this device?
The Paranormal:
Ashby feels an unusual presence in her room her first night at Overhome. How does the author flesh out the spirit of Rosabelle which Ashby never sees, only senses?
Writing:
In the Prologue, Ashby states that she is a wannabe writer hoping to find her muse at Overhome. How do references to writing tie into the story?
Symbolism:
Susan Coryell uses numerous symbols to carry out her themes—roses, the colors green and red, the gazebo, diaries, the dead zone, horses, cemeteries, the Confederate flag, the bridge, and others. Discuss the effectiveness of these symbols.
The Diaries:
How does the author involve diaries throughout the novel as a unifying and revealing force?
Southern Gothic Novels:
Southern gothics explore cultural issues of the South and involve an old, mysterious house, an element of the paranormal to guide plot, as well as a character or characters with “grotesque” flaws. Which character(s) exhibit such flaws in A Red, Red Rose?
The Romance:
How does Susan Coryell use the romance between Ashby and Luke to carry out some of the themes in the novel?
Elderly Characters:
The roles of Miss Emma and Abe are important for theme development in the novel. Explain.
Conclusion:
Susan Coryell chose to tie up most of the story’s threads at the end. What has she left open-ended? How do you feel about the conclusion?