The House at Riverton

Analyze the significance of Grace’s decision to record her story specifically for her grandson, Marcus, a novelist. How does this narrative frame comment on the act of storytelling itself and the process of transforming personal memory into historical narrative?

Research the factual history of life “upstairs” and “downstairs” in an aristocratic home in the early 20th century. How realistic do you think Grace’s story is? Where you identify places where fiction deviates from historical reality, why do you think Morton has made these choices.

Despite her intelligence and rebellion, Hannah’s attempts at personal agency are consistently thwarted or redirected. Discuss how her experiences reflect the limitations of her world and how much is the result of her personal choices.