Otto of the Silver Hand

How does the author demonstrate the extreme contrast between the monastery and the outside world and illustrate these two different yet coexisting ways of life?

Compare and contrast Baron Conrad and Baron Henry. Given their motivations for violence, does Pyle suggest that one character is more justified in his actions than the other? Why or why not?

How does the novel depict The Dichotomy of Good and Evil in a way that upholds Pyle’s choice to create a realistic narrative?

How do the ethical foundations of people in the Middle Ages (as depicted in Otto of the Silver Hand) differ from the ethical foundations that exist today? Conversely, which brutal habits of the Middle Ages yet persist?

Why are the Middle Ages often romanticized in literature, and how does the reality of this time period differ from common literary traditions? Does Pyle’s depiction act as a form of romanticization, a warning, or both? Use examples from the text to explain your answer.

How does the relationship between Otto and Pauline demonstrate the philosophy of Choosing Love over Violence? What other works of literature may have inspired Pyle’s medieval depiction of romance?

How does The Tension between Family Legacy and Personal Ethics become a burden for Otto? What actions does he take to reconcile this conflict?

Examine the minor character of Baroness Matilda. How does she function as a plot device rather than as a character with her own sense of agency? Does Pyle treat other female characters in this way?