The King of Corsica

1. What influence did the experience of the decadent court at Versailles have on Theodor?2. "There is an enchantment in departure that expands and then suddenly contracts the solar plexus in rhythmic spasms of fear and desire....The more pleasant the life one leaves behind, the more precipitous one's departure, and the more uncertain the future - the deeper and more frightening and joyful the enchantment." (p. 266) Did Theodor's many departures reflect these sentiments? Do they resonate with you?3. In talking about his friend Sternhart, Theodor states: "And I esteem him as well, but it's still a fact that it requires living your life with utter self-confidence, standing by your convictions - in the end inhabiting your body like an old suit of armor - to speak and act with so little self-irony!" He goes on to say, "he who never doubts himself knows nothing about the nuances of the human heart." (p. 221) Does Theodor hold any strong convictions, other than the importance of not having any? Does he doubt himself? Does he show self-awareness? How does his belief in destiny play a role in his views and life?4. Theodor knew little and had no interest in learning about Corsica: "Corsica was a blank canvas that would be filled according to his dreams and conceptions." Theodor tellingly says that when he returns he will be named king and then he will free Corsica from Genovese domination, while Giafferri reverses the order: "You will free us from the republic and we shall make you King of Corsica." How does this encapsulate the essence of Theodor's approach to life?5. How does Theodor use his power to try to make himself feel he is the King? As king, does he come to any new realizations about his life? Does the following portrait of a man in power seem to fit the stereotype of the present-day? "The paradox he was experiencing was that his overfilled days were producing not life, but emptiness." (p. 299)6. Life is about relationships and Theodor's life is no different. How did Theodor's mother's love for him shape his life and expectations? Do you think it influenced his ability to learn? Describe the relationship between Theodor and his sister Amelie. How does it change throughout the novel? Who else do you think had a significant impact on his life?7. "One needs to have concrete feelings for another, and then you can call it love, for the word love is just a collective term for a combination of more sensations." (Page 201) Do you think this is a full and accurate definition of love? Did he love his wife Jane? Was Theodor capable of love?8. Thinking about his marriage to Jane, Theodor arrives at the "strange melancholy realization that self-respect and lust, constancy and lust, love and lust do not go together in the final, deepest analysis." Do you agree?9. What was Theodor's philosophy on happiness? What are his thoughts on the power of being unhappy? Was he ever truly happy? Discuss your own philosophies.10. What are the ingredients that made Theodor a consummate survivor? What does it say about society that he could so easily succeed in numerous situations, culminating in becoming king of Corsica? Could he accomplish the same today?11. Theodor refers to the "dialectic of freedom," noting that in a sense he was free in prison since he was without any daily duties or obligations. What are the different forms freedom takes in The King of Corsica?12. How does Theodor look back on his life as he gets older? Does he feel remorse? Did his feelings surprise you?13. What do think about Theodor's ultimate fate and the final image of him?14. The painting first described in the Prelude is "La tempesta" (the tempest) by Giorgione, an early 16th century artist. What is its significance in the novel?Kleeberg, Michael is the author of 'The King of Corsica', published 2008 under ISBN 9781590512562 and ISBN 1590512561.