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Here are some discussion questions for book clubs or readers' groups.
1. Is Gaveston his own worst enemy? Explain.
2. What do you think causes Gaveston to sabotage himself by flirting with his enemies, being unfaithful to Edward, and any other examples you can think of?
3. What do you think is Richmond's motivation for becoming Gaveston's lover? Why does he desert Gaveston later?
4. Discuss the various women in Gaveston's life and his relationships with them.
5. What do you think would have happened if Gaveston had remained in exile?
6. What, if anything, could Gaveston have done to deal with Edward's possessiveness?
7. Discuss the symbolism of the pearl embellished gloves in the chapter "Trouble Brewing" which Gaveston literally throws down before the swine.
8. Gaveston spends a lot of time saying he doesn't want the rich gifts Edward gives him. Is he sincere?
9. At what point in the novel do we see the real Piers Gaveston? How do you know?
10. Gaveston often slips from elegant speech to quite crude references. What does this lend to your understanding of him and of the novel?
11. Is Pembroke an "honorable man"? Why or why not?
12. Discuss the personalities and motivations of the Earls of Warwick, Lancaster, Lincoln, and Pembroke, and their feelings about Gaveston. Why do they hate him?
13. Are Gaveston's feelings for Pembroke sincere? Explain.
14. When Gaveston is named "Lord of Misrule" at Christmas his enemies say now he has been given his rightful title; do you agree or disagree? Explain.
15. What do you think would have happened if Gaveston was not executed when he was?
16. Do you think justice prevailed in the end? Why or why not?
17. Who do you think is "the villain of the novel"? The hero? Explain.
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