Park Ridge Library Discussion Questions
SO BIG by Edna Ferber

  1. The title refers to Dirk's pet name as a baby. Is there another meaning to the title?

  2. What makes this book seem old fashioned? What makes this book seem fresh? How are novels written differently nowadays?

  3. Describe Selina. What gives her strength? Was she a feminist? Does she change in the course of the novel?

  4. Compare and contrast Roelf and Dirk. How are their values different? Can their differences be linked to their childhoods?

  5. Consider how Selina has faced the proverbial "bumps in the road." What does Edna Ferber want the reader to glean from this?

  6. "If those vague characteristics call (variously) magnetism, manner, grace, distinction, attractiveness, fascination, go to make up that nebulous quality known as charm; and if the possessor of that quality is accounted fortunate in his equipment for that which the class-day orators style the battle of life, then Dirk DeJong was a lucky lad and life lay promisingly before him." This quote opens Chapter 13. What happened to Dirk - why didn't he succeed? Was Selina at fault?

  7. Describe Dallas. What attracts Dirk towards her? What attracts Selina?

  8. How are the men portrayed in this novel versus the female characters?

  9. So Big is credited with being the first popular best seller. What ingredients made this novel such a hit?

  10. How is Chicago portrayed in the novel? How is the industrialization of the city incorporated into the story?

  11. What is the significance of Selina declaring, "Cabbages are beautiful."? (page 17)

  12. Does Ferber's experience as a journalist influence her writing style? Can you give some examples?

  13. What are Ferber's feelings towards wealth? Why does Selina stop asking her son to describe the parties and dinners he attends? (page 217)

  14. How does Selina's gambling father help shape her character?

  15. Does it seem out of character for Selina, who cherished her crimson dress, to later shun fancy clothes and pretty outfits?

  16. What role do nature and the soil play in the novel?

  17. Are the characters stereotyped or are they individuals?

  18. Name some instances where prejudice occurs and how the characters deal with it.

  19. Why did Selina marry Pervus? Couldn't she know his limitations?

  20. There are numerous references to Selina's hands in the book. What do they symbolize?

  21. Ferber later wrote very successful plays including Dinner At Eight and Stage Door. Is there a sense of drama in So Big?

  22. There are moments of satire in the novel. Can you give an example?

  23. Halfway through the novel the emphasis changes from Selina to Dirk. Is it a smooth transition or does this detract from the story?

  24. Describe Paula. How is she like Selina? How is she different? Why is Dirk drawn to her?

  25. There are many minor characters. Of these, who is your favorite and why?

  26. Is this book a classic to be remembered or is it just a bestseller from the 1920's?

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