The Age Of Miracles

Gabby is willful, gothic, and sexually savvy, characteristics that cast her as the foil of the story’s protagonist, Julia. Examine the character of Gabby and discuss the ways in which she is used to reveal elements of Julia’s characterization. 

Julia’s parents experience marital problems throughout the novel. In Chapter 31, Julia wonders if “the slowing” has affected her father’s decision to cheat on Helen with Sylvia. Why might Julia rationalize her father’s behavior in this way? At what other points in the novel does Julia consider the effects of “the slowing” as the cause for erratic behavior? 

Early in the novel, Julia admires Sylvia as well as Silvia’s lifestyle. Later, Julia understands that Sylvia represents a threat to her mother. How does the character of Sylvia impact the shape of events in this book? Describe how she may be emblematic of larger themes in the book.

Not long after “the slowing” begins does society divide between “real-timers” and “clock-timers.” Examine the roles of “real-timers” such as Gene, Sylvia, and Gabby. What does this split mean in terms of the themes of the book? 

In Chapter 20, Julia’s father lies and tells Helen that the pedestrian lives, and this lie is a major turning point in the novel. Consider the book in terms of “before” and “after” this lie. What does the lie represent? Name three different themes and discuss how they are affected by the lie. 

From Mormonism to Judaism to cults, religious figures populate the background of The Age of Miracles. What is the role of organized religion in this book? 

Julia says, “[Californians are] thus accustomed to the motions of the earth. We understood that the ground could shift and shudder. We kept batteries in our flashlights and gallons of water in our closets” (10). Describe why the author selected California for the novel’s setting and how this location affects the narrative. How might the story have differed if it were set in a drastically different environment like the Midwest? 

In this coming-of-age story, Julia’s personal evolution takes place alongside “the slowing.” What are the key incidences that spur Julia’s transformation?