The aftereffects of World War I haunt The Paying Guests. What effect does the war continue to have on 1922 English society? How does it affect the women differently than the men?

Frances often accuses Mrs. Wray of being a “Victorian.” How do intergenerational conflicts drive the interactions between Frances and others in her society? How does this affect her relationship with her mother?

When Lilian swings the stand-ashtray at Leonard, she claims it was an accident. However, as the novel unfolds, her motives become more suspect. Is she lying? Does the evidence against her outweigh the evidence in her favor?