Essay Questions

How does Elin Hilderbrand build the theme of grief in the novel The Five-Star Weekend?

Grief is the major theme in the novel The Five-Star Weekend. Hollis has witnessed dear people to her die. For instance, Hollis' mother died when she was a young girl, and she was left under the care of her father. When Hollis is married, her father dies. Hollis is grieved by her father's death, which also reminds her of the pain she felt when her mother died. The last blow in Hollis' life comes when her husband of 24 years dies in a plane accident. When Hollis remembers the deaths of her lovely people, she loses her mind and falls into depression.

What makes Hollis interact with her dead mother through a letter?

Hollis believes her mother is watching her from the heavens. Therefore, after she finishes college and realizes she has excelled, she thanks her mother for teaching her the significance of being disciplined. The letter symbolizes Hollis' aspiration to achieve great things.

What motivates Hollis to resolve to full-time blogging?

Hollis' motivation to become a full-time blogger is driven by her fan's endless questions about the recipes she posts on her blog "Hungry with Hollis." After realizing that the blog has over a million subscribers, Hollis engages the followers daily, which becomes a full-time job. Fortunately, Hollis discovers that the blog pays her a higher salary than any other job she has ever done.