13 Little Blue Envelopes

Describe Ginny’s travel style. How does her approach to travel further her characterization? How does her approach to travel change over time? You might consider her willingness (or lack thereof) to ask for help, her ability to improvise, or her desire (or lack thereof) to see things outside of Aunt Peg’s list.

Compare and contrast Ginny’s visits to two cities. Citing examples, discuss how Ginny responds to the cities’ unique cultures and architecture. How do the cities’ distinct “personalities” correlate to the tasks that Aunt Peg assigns Ginny in each city? You may select the cities, but it might be helpful to select one from early in her trip and one from later in the novel.

Ginny meets and travels with two different groups: the Knapp family and the Australian friends Emmett, Bennett, Carrie and Nigel. Compare and contrast how these two groups approach travel. Which approach, if either, does the novel prefer? Cite examples, considering the descriptions and diction that the author uses to depict each approach.

13 Little Blue Envelopes presents the idea that people act differently and are perceived differently when in different places or surrounded by different people. Select a few examples from the novel that support or refute this idea, discussing how the author uses this concept to develop Ginny’s characterization and to support the theme of Travel as Self-Discovery.

How does the author use Aunt Peg’s painting style to further her characterization? What does Peg’s use of color and cartoon-like images tell us about her and her worldview? If Ginny were a painter, how would her paintings differ?

What does Ginny’s backpack symbolize? Cite examples to support your claims.

Discuss the role of serendipity in shaping Ginny’s journey. How do unexpected events influence her experience? At the end of the novel, is Ginny more or less likely to embrace uncertainty than she was at the beginning?

Is Keith a foil for Ginny? Why or why not?