by Nancy Moser
1 Illustrations from: Victorian Fashions & Costumes from Harper’s Bazar 1867–1898. Dover Publications 1974, AND Bloomingdale’s Illustrated 1886 Catalog by Bloomingdale Brothers. Dover Publications 1988.
Discussion Questions for Masquerade
1. At the beginning of the story both Lottie and Dora long for a “true sister,” a bosom friend. Their place in society keeps them from seeing that this bond is in progress with each other. Who is your true sister? Was it an instant connection or did it take some time for the bond to develop?
2. On the ship, the girls discover new things about themselves. Dora comes to life and discovers an unknown talent for being charming, which results in being the belle of the ball. And Lottie had no idea she possessed such a heart for children. What unexpected talent or gift has revealed itself in your life? What were the circumstances?
3. When Lottie first gets to America, her money and jewels are stolen and she is mad at God and declares she’ll handle things without Him. Have you ever felt this way? What were the circumstances? How did you rid yourself of these feelings? Or have you?
4. In Chapter 10, Lottie sees a necklace in a pawnshop—the ruby necklace her mother gave her for her birthday, the one she disdained. Then. But now it’s suddenly important to her. What else is suddenly important to Lottie that she took for granted before?
5. In Chapter 12, both girls go to church, and Charlotte notes, “The organ played a song to remind everyone that God had arrived.” Although we know God is everywhere, church is called “God’s house.” Why do you think this is so?
6. Does the dynamic between Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt, and the thin line that separated being a part of society or not, still exist today? What kind of line is present today between those in high society and those who are trying to climb higher? Can you think of TV shows or movies that showcase this social juggling?
7. In Chapter 15, while talking with Nanny, Lottie realizes she has to take responsibility for what’s happened to her, and God has provided for her in amazing ways—in spite of her blunders. How has God provided for you in spite of your mistakes? How long did it take you to realize what He’d done?
8. In Chapter 19, Lottie finally sees how God turned bad into good: “Was I brought here for this, Nanny? Was everything taken from me so I’d end up with the Scarpellis? Was I assaulted on my job so Sven would take me under his wing? Did I find Fitz and find you so … all this could happen?” Dora could name a similar sequence of circumstances that brought her together with Dr. Greenfield. Name a time in your life when you can see a string of events that had God’s hands all over them.
9. Everyone has a need to find their purpose, to answer the question “Why am I here? Now?” As Lottie asked Nanny, “What am I born to do?” Have you discovered your purpose yet? Do you see glimpses of it? What have you done to seek it? What could you do?
10. Many times throughout the book the moon inspired Lottie to think deeply about her life and purpose. What element of nature inspires you when you need to think? What special place?
11. In the end, Lottie and Dora realize by being apart they grew into the women God intended them to be. Do you think they could have accomplished that same growth if they’d remained maid and mistress in Dornby Manor?