Approaching ’salem’s Lot, Ben almost abandons his notion of returning. Do you think that barring vampires, he would have found what he was looking for, or was it a doomed effort from the start? Why?

Critics of ’Salem’s Lot have called attention to the roles of women in the story. Do the women in Ben’s life serve any function in the story beyond dying? If not, what is their significance?

Is Susan a weak character? Does she make bad choices, or is she an innocent bystander?

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Overview

Get ready to explore 'Salem's Lot and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

'Salem's Lot Summary and Study Guide

Background

'Salem's Lot Background

chapter

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “THE MARSTEN HOUSE”

Part 1, Prologue, Chapters 1-3

'Salem's Lot Part 1, Prologue, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-7

'Salem's Lot Part 1, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Emperor of Ice Cream”

Part 2, Chapters 8-10

'Salem's Lot Part 2, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 11-13

'Salem's Lot Part 2, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Deserted Village”

Part 3, Chapter 14-Epilogue

'Salem's Lot Part 3, Chapter 14-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

'Salem's Lot Character Analysis

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Themes

'Salem's Lot Themes

Symbols & Motifs

'Salem's Lot Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

'Salem's Lot Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

'Salem's Lot Essay Topics

'Salem's Lot Further Reading & Resources

'Salem's Lot