The title refers to a list of rules posted in the dormitory of a cider orchard where Homer eventually goes to live. These rules are significant because:
The book explores the burden of having a choice and the tragedy of having none. The Cider House Rules
of reproductive rights in the mid-20th century. Irving's specific prose style and use of foreshadowing. Which of these would help you most? The title refers to a list of rules
Just as the "cider house rules" fail to govern the workers, Larch and Homer realize that societal laws often fail to address the complexities of real-world suffering. Key Themes The Cider House Rules
Irving refuses to provide easy answers, forcing characters to break their own rules to do what is "right." Legacy and Adaptation