Consider Meyer’s engagement with archetypical gender roles and expectations in Breaking Dawn. How do Bella and Edward challenge or conform to these traditional gender norms in their relationship?

Discuss which character contributes most to Bella’s newfound strength and courage in the novel. How does this character contribute to the novel’s thematic exploration of The Importance of Family and Friendship? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Analyze the role that love and devotion play in the lives of both Bella and Jacob. Choose specific moments in the text that support how that love hinders them or gives them strength. How does each of them contribute to the novel’s thematic interest in The Interplay Between Love and Sacrifice?

Re-read the epigraph of the third section of the novel. How does this quote from Orson Scott Card apply to the final section of the text? What theme does it convey related to love? Be sure to discuss at least two literary elements—other than theme—in your analysis.

Stephenie Meyer alludes to two William Shakespeare plays in the novel: The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Discuss these references, then analyze how they further develop the novel’s thematic engagement with Overcoming Prejudice and Ignorance. Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

What role does setting play in the novel? Consider the predominant setting—the Cullen home—as well other locations in the text such as Seattle, Isle Esme, Bella’s cottage, and Charlie’s home. Choose two locations (other than the Cullen home) and discuss how the change in location impacts the themes, characters, and/or tone of the novel.

Other than the Volturi, identify two other characters that could be considered antagonists in the novel. Discuss how their actions are antagonistic to Bella, then analyze how they cause Bella to develop and change over the course of the narrative.

Identify two moments in the novel where there is a distinct tonal shift. Discuss how Meyer’s writing conveys tone and analyze how these tonal shifts develop the characters, conflicts, and/or themes of the novel.