A Gentleman in Moscow Discussion Questions

A Gentleman in Moscow, written by Amor Towles, is a captivating novel that takes place in Moscow during the early 1920s. The story revolves around Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel by a Bolshevik tribunal. As the Count navigates his life within the confines of the hotel, the reader is taken on a journey filled with rich characters, historical events, and thought-provoking themes. Here are some discussion questions to delve deeper into the world of A Gentleman in Moscow.

1. What role does the Metropol Hotel play in the novel? How does it shape the story and the characters?

2. Discuss the character of Count Alexander Rostov. How does he adapt to his life in house arrest? What qualities make him a gentleman?

3. The novel is set during a turbulent period in Russian history. How does the author incorporate historical events into the story? How do these events affect the characters?

See these A Gentleman in Moscow Discussion Questions

• 4. How does the Count maintain his sense of purpose and dignity while being confined to the hotel?
• 5. Explore the relationship between the Count and the various staff members of the Metropol Hotel.
• 6. Discuss the significance of the recurring motif of bees throughout the novel.
• 7. How does the Count’s friendship with Nina, the young girl, impact his life?
• 8. Analyze the role of food and dining in the novel. How does it contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes?
• 9. Discuss the theme of time and its passage in the novel.
• 10. How does the Count’s relationship with Sofia evolve throughout the story?
• 11. Explore the concept of loyalty as portrayed in the novel.
• 12. Discuss the significance of the hidden room in the hotel and its impact on the plot.
• 13. What does the novel suggest about the power of literature and the written word?
• 14. How does the Count’s perspective on life and his surroundings change over the course of the novel?
• 15. Discuss the role of music in the story, particularly the Count’s love for classical music.
• 16. How does the author use humor to balance the darker themes of the novel?
• 17. Explore the theme of freedom and confinement in the context of the Count’s situation.
• 18. Discuss the symbolism behind the painting “The Boy in the Spangled Vest.”
• 19. How does the Count’s relationship with the actress Anna Urbanova impact his life and outlook?
• 20. Analyze the character of Osip Ivanovich Glebnikov and his role in the story.
• 21. Discuss the theme of resilience as portrayed through the various characters in the novel.
• 22. How does the author use language and writing style to enhance the reader’s experience?
• 23. Explore the theme of love and its different manifestations in the novel.
• 24. Discuss the significance of the Count’s chess games with Mishka and the lessons they teach him.
• 25. How does the Count’s relationship with the hotel staff change over time?
• 26. Analyze the character of Nina and her impact on the Count’s life.
• 27. Discuss the theme of beauty as presented in the novel.
• 28. How does the author create a sense of place and atmosphere throughout the story?
• 29. Explore the concept of fate and its role in the lives of the characters.
• 30. Discuss the implications of the Count’s decision to adopt Sofia.
• 31. How does the Count’s relationship with the Party change throughout the novel?
• 32. Analyze the symbolism behind the key that the Count carries with him.
• 33. Discuss the theme of friendship and its importance in the novel.
• 34. How does the novel portray the divide between the aristocracy and the working class?
• 35. Analyze the character of Andrey, the Count’s longtime friend.
• 36. Discuss the significance of the various historical figures mentioned in the novel, such as Lenin and Tolstoy.
• 37. How does the Count’s relationship with the actress Anna Urbanova impact his life and outlook?
• 38. Analyze the character of Osip Ivanovich Glebnikov and his role in the story.
• 39. Discuss the theme of resilience as portrayed through the various characters in the novel.
• 40. How does the author use language and writing style to enhance the reader’s experience?

These discussion questions will help you explore the themes, characters, and historical context of A Gentleman in Moscow. Whether you are reading the book for a book club or for personal enjoyment, these questions will deepen your understanding and spark meaningful conversations.