In His Steps

What does the relationship development between Rachel and Rollin symbolize, and what does this symbolism say about the novel’s “message” or theological perspective?

What is the biggest obstacle to the members of the First Church of Raymond in committing to the promise as given by Rev. Maxwell? Use three examples from the text illustrating this obstacle, and determine whether the characters overcome it.

Take two characters from In His Steps and contrast the ways in which they interpret imitatio Christi.

The novel uses a third-person omniscient narrative. What does the author achieve by using this perspective?

Which does the novel portray as the greater vice within the communities of Raymond and Chicago, pride or apathy? Draw on at least two examples from the text.

Virginia Page believes that the problem with wealth is not in the possession of money itself, but whether that wealth is used for the sake of the common good. How does her belief bear out in the novel? Use two examples from the text to develop an answer.

Jack Manning, the wandering, mortally ill man introduced in the first chapter, sets the entire plot into motion. Explore what Jack’s character symbolizes and how that symbolism still functions after his death.

If you could write an epilogue that traced the events of Rose Sterling’s life after the death of her father and Rev. Maxwell’s vision of her unhappy marriage, how do you think her life would turn out in the end? What evidence is there, in the novel, that her character arc would unfold this way?