Empire of Silence

How does the framing narrative influence the tone of the novel, and when does the narrator-Hadrian employ dramatic irony to expound on the philosophical considerations of The Tension Between Fate and Choice?

Compare and contrast Hadrian Marlowe with the other palatines depicted in the novel. What do these differences and similarities indicate about his character development?

How does the secret presence of Hadrian’s signet ring influence his decisions?

Throughout the novel, Hadrian often ruminates on Gibson’s aphorisms. Select at least two of them and analyze their deeper meanings. Why does Hadrian cling to them?

What do Hadrian’s newfound relationships suggest about his internal flaws, desires, and ambitions? Does he succumb to or overcome the biases of his cultural upbringing?

Using examples from the text, make an argument for either fate or choice as the primary influence over Hadrian’s path in life.

What does Hadrian mean when he states, “We live in stories” (67), and, “We are all stories in the end” (576)? What significance does the novel ascribe to the power of stories?

In comparing the Chantry with the Cielcin, which of the two shows a greater degree of monstrosity, and why?