The Winter Room

Discuss the novel’s narrative structure. Why does Paulsen choose to divide the chapters according to the change of seasons, and what is the role of Uncle David’s stories as part of the story’s organization? What are the key thematic elements that this structure conveys?

What is the purpose of Paulsen’s introductory chapter in the novel? What is the significance of “tuning” as a metaphor and concept for the readers’ experience, and why are the senses key to understanding the story?

Analyze the dynamic between Eldon and Wayne. How does their relationship affect each other’s character and their family? What does the author convey about the role of brotherhood in childhood by exploring the connection and conflicts between the two brothers?