| 1. |
A Matter of Class develops largely out of an ongoing dispute between neighbors: the wealthy, yet merchant-class Masons and the aristocratic Ashtons. How did this dispute begin? Do you think it was unavoidable due to the two families’ differences in social class? Do you think blame for the dispute was shared equally between neighbors or does one seem more at fault? |
| 2. |
If you’d been alive during the Regency Period and lived in the area where A Matter of Class took place, do you think you would have chosen sides between the Masons and the Ashtons or would you have tried to remain neutral? If you’d taken sides, whose would you have chosen and why? In the book how did the other families of the area respond and why? |
| 3. |
Have you ever been involved in or witnessed a long-term dispute between neighbors? Did it seem to be the result of—or at least inflamed due to—a difference in social class or religion, race, politics, social mores or age/generation? If so, describe and discuss how you believe any or all of these differences came in to play. If not, what seemed to cause the dispute? |
| 4. |
Do you think that A Matter of Class, as written, could have been told in a contemporary setting? Why or why not? How would A Matter of Class need to be altered for the story to be believably set in the twenty-first century? |
| 5. |
What do you think it would have been like to live during the Regency Period? What would you have liked about it? What would you have found most restrictive or disturbing? Bearing in mind that each has its pros and cons, its restrictions and liberties, which class would you have preferred to be born into and why? |
| 6. |
Which character do you think showed the greatest personal courage in A Matter of Class? In what way did he or she show that courage? What risks did that individual run if his or her plan didn’t work out the way he or she planned? |
| 7. |
Since Reginald’s father, Bernard Mason, held the ton in such disdain, why do you think it was so important to him that Reginald be accepted as a member of that social class? In what ways, if any, did Reginald differ from someone who could be considered a “gentleman” by birth? Who do you consider the truest gentleman in this story and why? Who do you consider the truest gentleman in your life and why? |
| 8. |
Do you think the title of this book, A Matter of Class, has a dual or single meaning? Do you think that the title refers to a matter of class distinction or social standing? Do you think it refers to a matter of one or more individuals acting with “class” or true personal grace and dignity? Or, do you think the title is meant to be a play on words and to refer to both possibilities? Which interpretation do you think works best for this book and why? |
| 9. |
What do you consider the most touching scene in the book and why? |
| 10. |
What character or characters do you think grew the most in the course of the book, and in what way or ways was that growth apparent? |
| 11. |
It could be said of Annabelle and Reginald that they were ultimately able to obtain true happiness because they 1) understood what they wanted; 2) understood how their parents thought and reacted; 3) believed in their own personal right and ability to find happiness; and 4) were willing to think outside the box and take action to obtain the life they wanted. Would you agree with this assessment? Can you name examples of them doing or achieving all of the above? Do you think anything else made it possible or set the stage for them to obtain happiness? If so, what? |
