What do you make of the novel’s title? The book uses the recovery of Anna Hart to suggest the power of hope, after all the stars go dark at sunrise. Contrast the stories of <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/when-the-stars-go-dark/major-character-analysis/#466415">Cameron Curtis</a> and Shannan Russo. Which one better exemplifies the title?

Research the Rainer Maria Rilke poem “I Am Much Too Alone in the World.” How does the poem’s thematic argument apply to Cameron? Anna believes what a person reads gives insight into their character. Why does Cameron not copy the poem’s closing lines?

Investigate the role of psychics in cases involving missing children. What is the science behind the mysticism, visions, and dreams typical of psychics? How does Tally Hollander emerge as a heroic element in the novel?

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Paula McLain

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Explore When the Stars Go Dark reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About When the Stars Go Dark

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Overview

Get ready to explore When the Stars Go Dark and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

When the Stars Go Dark Summary and Study Guide

Background

When the Stars Go Dark Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Signs and Vapors”-Part 2: “Secret Things”

Prologue-Part 2, Chapter 14 

When the Stars Go Dark Prologue-Part 2, Chapter 14  Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-29

When the Stars Go Dark Part 2, Chapters 15-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Secret Things”-Part 3: “Time and the Maiden”

Part 2, Chapter 30-Part 3, Chapter 44

When the Stars Go Dark Part 2, Chapter 30-Part 3, Chapter 44 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Time and the Maiden”-Part 4: “The Bent Grove”

Part 3, Chapter 45-Part 4, Chapter 60

When the Stars Go Dark Part 3, Chapter 45-Part 4, Chapter 60 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 61-70

When the Stars Go Dark Part 4, Chapters 61-70 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

When the Stars Go Dark Character Analysis

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Themes

When the Stars Go Dark Themes

Symbols & Motifs

When the Stars Go Dark Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

When the Stars Go Dark Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Essay Topics

When the Stars Go Dark Essay Topics

When the Stars Go Dark

Essay Topics

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