The Caretaker: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Access Full Guide

Study Guide

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1

Parts 2-3

Parts 4-5

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness.

What is the significance of the novel’s title? How does it function both literally and metaphorically? Who else, besides Blackburn, acts as a caretaker? How so?

What role does Dr. Egan play in advancing one or more of the novel’s key themes? What makes him an important minor character?

In what ways was Blackburn’s childhood bout of polio life altering? How has it impacted him as both a child and an adult?