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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Wait Until Twilight

1. In Wait Until Twilight, there exists dualities of light and dark whether in people, forces or worlds. What significance is there in the use of the word “twilight” in the title in relation to Samuel?

2. This book has elements of southern gothic, coming of age and fairy tale. Give examples of each in the book. Do you think the novel fits into one of these categories better than the other two? What other books are there in these categories that it reminds you of?

3. There exists a three way dynamic between Mrs. Greenan, Daryl and the triplets in relation to Samuel. What does each one of the three represent to Samuel in metaphorical terms? How does his dead mother relate to the triplets?

4. The use of dreams is implemented often in the book. What role do they play in terms of not only the text itself but as a source of guidance to Samuel in his journey? Do you believe your dreams can effect the decisions you make when you’re awake?

5. What changes occur in Samuel to finally allow him to face Daryl? What does the trip to Jim’s school offer in particular? What role does sexuality play in this if any?

6. There are opposing worlds coming together in the story. Nihilism vs. Belief. Chaos vs. Order. Dishonor vs. Honor. How does Samuel reconcile these? How does this help him find his identity?

7. Samuel contains contradictory traits for adult independence and innocent naivety. What are examples of each? How does this contradictory state relate to the idea of emotional integrity in terms of the novel?

8. What is the significance of the cold dark feeling Samuel gets when he recalls the babies? How does it relate to his dead mother?

9. Since the death of his mother, Samuel has lacked a strong female presence in his life. How do you think that effects his reaction to the babies? How do you feel about Mrs. Greenan being the main example of motherhood in the book?

10. Violence and grotesqueness are elements often used in the traditional southern gothic style. How are the instances of violence in the book used as either a form of destruction or catharsis? What in the novel would you describe as grotesque and why do you think the author includes it?

11. What do Melody and Naomi represent for Samuel in terms of both sexuality and a force of stability and transformative guidance?

12. Implicit in the book is the idea of traumatic experiences serving as crucibles by which an individual will either both heal and grow attaining wisdom and strength- OR - breakdown and carry a wound that will reverberate negatively for the rest of ones life. Do you think such phenomena exist in reality? Has there been an occurrence in your life that changed you in a profound way either negatively or positively?

Wait Until Twilight
by Sang Pak

  • Publication Date: August 4, 2009
  • Paperback: 229 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
  • ISBN-10: 0061732958
  • ISBN-13: 9780061732959