Many of the novel’s subplots concern cannibalism (or quasi-cannibalism—i.e., the consumption of sentient creatures). How does this motif serve the novel’s social commentary?

How does the Epilogue’s revelation of Jasper’s motivation change the way the reader understands chance, choice, and consequences in the novel?

How does the novel use dark humor and absurdism in its many fatal endings? In what ways do these endings follow, exaggerate, or mock horror genre conventions?

The Dinner Party pays homage to 1980s “Choose Your Own Adventure” gamebooks and reflects a modern revival of interactive storytelling. Compare the novel’s use of the branching narrative in a print format with a digital interactive story, such as Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each format?

Using Sloan’s interactions with Jasper and Avery as primary examples, analyze how the novel critiques conventional ideas about compassion, morality, and loyalty. What point does the novel make with this critique?

How does the novel balance reader choice with Sloan’s characterization? In what ways does Sloan remain a consistent character across the different branches and endings?

How do Robert’s cave and the Wentworth Estate symbolize different kinds of danger? What does the contrast between the wild landscape and the wealthy estate suggest about hidden threats?

Choose two different storylines, such as the abominable snowman path and the cannibal dinner party path. How does each path create a different kind of horror? In your response, consider differences in tone, setting, and humor.