DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR

Wild Flower

BY CHERYL ANNE PORTER

1. Cheryl Anne Porter’s historical mysteries often deal with complex issues such as feminine empowerment, family relationships, prejudice, and personal growth. What issues are explored in Wild Flower? Why do you think these issues are still as relevant today as they were in the late 1800s?

2. Taylor’s Uncle Ned suggests to her that she may not really be as tough as her reputation. Do you think that other people’s perception of someone frequently differs from that individual’s perception of herself/himself? How did Taylor differ from her reputation or from the perceptions people had of her?

3. The Cherokee Nation, as depicted in Wild Flower, reflected an evolved culture that was pretty well versed in the ways of the neighboring mostly white United States. Yet the white people Taylor encountered in the story didn’t seem to know much about Cherokee ways. How do you think this discrepancy came about?

4. Thoughtful character studies and the ways in which people change are a mainstay of Cheryl Anne Porter’s writing. Which character or characters do you think changed most in Wild flower? How did the author show these changes?

5. In Wild Flower, as in Cheryl Anne Porter’s two previous historical mysteries, Captive Angel and Prairie Song, the heroine (and sometimes other characters, too) has to deal with the effects of unpleasant past events. How does Taylor deal with her “past baggage” in Wild Flower? Do you think that people can simply choose to have positive outcomes in their lives despite having to resolve painful pasts?

6. Do you think Taylor gains closure with the events of her past? If so, how does reconciling her past propel her toward her future?

7. In Wild Flower, Taylor reflects that she didn’t know her father when she was growing up. And she asks her cousin Amanda about Amanda’s father. How do you think the absence of a father affected Taylor as a child? As an adult?

8. Family themes are prevalent in Cheryl Anne Porter’s writing. In Wild Flower, the theme of treachery within one’s own family was an underlying concept. Discuss the threat of a villain within a family.

9. Taylor spoke about the prejudice white people exhibited toward Indians. What about Taylor’s own feelings toward whites? How extensive do you think this so-called reverse discrimination was? Still is?

10. How was Taylor affected by learning the truth about her heritage? How did it change the way she lived her life?