How does Francis’s and Henry’s conflicting natures affect their father-son dynamic? Why do they dislike each other? Might Francis and Henry have reconciled if it were not for Anne and Diane sowing ill will?ĥ.Francis often thinks of Henry VIII of England. What characteristics set the two women apart? How does Anne and Francis’s relationship differ from Diane and Henry’s? What are the effects of Anne and Diane’s enmity?Ĥ.Jean Plaidy writes of Francis and Henry: “It was Francis’s nature to forget what was unpleasant but Henry never forgot his friends. and no one can stand in her way.ġ.As a child, what does Catherine learn from her Aunt Clarissa, from Pope Clement VII, and from the sisters of the convent of Santa Annunziate delle Murate? How do these lessons serve her at court as Dauphiness and later as Queen?Ģ.Do you think Catherine ever truly left her Medici roots behind? At what points in the novel is her loyalty to France tested? Do you believe Catherine’s devotion lies with France or with the Medicis?ģ.Anne d’Etampes and Diane de Poitiers are very alike in their ambitions, their appearances, and their cleverness. Fueled by jealousy, Catherine schemes to attain the affections of the man who is rightly hers. But Henry has eyes for only the much older Diane de Poitiers. Soon, however, a growing passion for her new husband and the promise of a Medici heir one day occupying the throne of France transforms Caterina-the reluctant bride-into Catherine, the youngest member of the glittering French court.

When fourteen-year-old Caterina de’ Medici arrives in Marseilles to marry the Henry, Duke of Orléans, second son of the King of France, she brings with her all the cleverness, cunning, and spirit that runs strong in the Medici blood. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. This reading group guide for Madame Serpent includes an introduction, discussion questions and ideas for enhancing your book club.

Madame Serpent by Jean Plaidy