At the end of the novel, the narrator notes that a “judicious reader” might be left looking for the moral of the story. What do you consider the moral of Shirley to be?

The novel’s narrator uses a style known as free indirect discourse which reveals the narrator’s interpretation of the characters’ thoughts and feelings. In what ways does this narrative style impact the character’s development?

Brontë and her sisters are mostly known for their work in the Gothic genre. What are the Gothic elements in Shirley? What is the effect of these elements in the novel in terms of setting, characterization, and/or themes?