Essay Questions

Why is Juliet drawn to the Guernsey Literary Society?

Juliet is drawn to the Society because she is looking for more in her life than just work. She sees people who suffered during the war and not only survived, but came through stronger and with a greater sense of themselves and their friends. The group looks out for one another even though they are from different backgrounds and have different temperaments. She enjoys the sense of camaraderie in the group and the love that they feel for one another.

Why is the Guernsey Literary Society important? Why was it formed?

The Guernsey Literary Society helped each of its members during the occupation of their island by the Germans. It made each member stronger knowing that they had friends who would always help them. During the difficult times, they are able to pull together and help each other survive.

The Society was formed by accident and as an excuse for the members to be out after curfew. It grew into a lifelong friendship of the members who otherwise would not have been friends. The occupation drew the group together and they were able to see traits in one another that they had not seen before. Without the society, each member would have missed learning about themselves and their fellow islanders.

Why does Juliet find it hard to proclaim her feelings for Dawsey Adams?

Juliet has been hurt in the past. Losing her fiancé leaves her emotionally stunted. She cannot accept her feelings for Dawsey or believe that he returns her love. It takes the friendship of the society to make her start to live her life again. She has been absorbed in her writing and the war effort for so long she has not thought about anything else. The Guernsey Society makes her learn to live again and face her feelings.