Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
COLD MOUNTAIN by Charles Frazier

  1. Do you get a sense of place? How does Frazier achieve this?

  2. What are Inman's views about the war? Does he feel differently about the North than the South? The Home Guard are Southerners. What does Inman feel about them? Why did he initially enlist?

  3. How is it ironic that Inman is a deserter? (he's the hero) Are there other irronies in the story?

  4. Describe Frazier's style. Is the amount of description an asset or does it interfere with the story?

  5. Is the book funny? Give some examples. (Such as when Ada and Ruby meet, Ada doesn't like the rooster so Ruby twists off its head and throws the head in the bushes and the body into boiling water.)

  6. Why did Monroe and Ada come to Cold Mountain? Was Monroe cruel to drag Ada to Black Cove?

  7. What is the significance of the book Inman carries? (he subscribes to nature, not religion). What are Inman's feelings on religion?

  8. Who is your favorite character? Are there many (or any) likable characters?

  9. Cold Mountain has been compared to The Odyssey. Can you see any comparisons? Some examples are:

    • homeward trek for Oddyseus & Inman
    • Ada and Penelope wait patiently at home
    • characters receive spiritual growth
    • war is considered bad

  10. Is nature a friend or a foe to Inman? To Ada?

  11. Contrast Ada and Ruby.

  12. Ada changes in the story. Does Inman?

  13. What was the most harrowing experience for Inman?

  14. What effect does Frazier achieve by alternating Inman's and Ada's stories?

  15. What did you think of the ending? Was it expected? Was it fair?

  16. Was the story realistic?

  17. Why does Stobrod insist that Ruby's father was a heron? How does Frazier treat the supernatural?

  18. Does education help either Inman or Ada? Was education necessary to live in those times?

Questions created by Vivian Mortensen, Head of Reader Services at the Park Ridge Public Library.