Little Lord Fauntleroy

Mrs. Errol raises Cedric according to her morals, making the two similar in many ways. Compare and contrast the two characters: what differentiates her from her son and vice versa?

Cedric Sr., Fauntleroy’s father, remains off page, but his memory influences many of the main characters and his presence is felt throughout the story. In what ways does he influence Fauntleroy, Dorincourt, and Mrs. Errol?

Do you think the device often used in sentimental fiction of exaggerating characters’ good or bad qualities to teach lessons about basic human nature is effective in this novel? What does this simplified picture miss and what does it get right?

Is Cedric an unrealistically selfless and well-mannered portrait of a boy or the epitome of childlike innocence and good will?

Many of the old men in the novel–Dorincourt, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Havisham–are cynical and/or grumpy. Is there a common reason for this condition? Is Cedric at risk of becoming like them when he grows up?

Fate and fortune are two of the novel’s secondary themes. Is there a strict sense of karma in Fauntleroy’s world? Do good works always return good, bad deeds always return bad?

Mrs. Errol is one of the main characters and is certainly one of the biggest influences on Cedric’s character, yet the narrator tells us very little about her inner life. How do her words and actions characterize her?

There are several female characters in the novel, such as Mrs. Errol, Ms. Vivian Herbert, Mary, and Mrs. Dibble. What do these characters say about the type of femininity that was valued in 19th century England? Pick either Mrs. Errol and one minor character or three or more minor characters to analyze.

Burnett frequently writes working-class characters’ dialogue in dialect to indicate their class identity. Dorincourt expresses contempt for Americans as low-class and vulgar, whereas Cedric is oblivious to class distinctions, befriending commoner and nobleman alike. Compare these views of class: How are they different? Are there any ways in which they’re similar?