Bel Canto

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapter 9-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Essay Topics

How does Roxanne Coss function as a character in the novel? How does she function as a symbol? Compare the two.

Describe the relationship between Mr. Hosokawa and his translator, Gen Watanabe. How are they alike? How are they different? Why is this significant to the cultural unity within the mansion?

Why does Father Arguedas volunteer to stay with the hostages, even after being given several chances to leave? What role does he play within the mansion? What roles do religion and spirituality play?