I Capture the Castle

Discuss the novel’s journal form as it relates to this quote spoken by Simon on Mortmain’s work: “And your father’s a link in the chain of writers who have been obsessed by form” (140). Why is Cassandra’s decision to write a journal significant? How does this explain her philosophy on authorship? How does it compare with Mortmain’s writing forms?

Discuss Miss Blossom’s significance in the novel. What does the dressmaker’s dummy symbolize, and how do the Mortmain sisters use her? Do you see a connection between the loss of Miss Blossom’s voice (246) and the return of Mrs. Mortmain’s voice (307)? Why or why not?

How does Stephen embody the traditional characteristics of an English gentleman? Do you think the Cotton brothers are also gentlemen in the same way? Why or why not?