Elaine thinks about suicide and also tries to kill herself in the novel, just as Cordelia tries to kill herself. Discuss the role of suicide in the novel.

1) How do Elaine's thoughts of suicide when she is a young girl affect her? Where do they come from?

2) Why does Elaine try to kill herself when she's married to Jon? Why does she lie about her suicide attempt?

3) Why does Cordelia try to kill herself? Compare Cordelia's suicide attempt to Elaine's suicide attempt.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Elaine's feelings toward Cordelia.

1) Why does Elaine always think she sees Cordelia, wherever she goes?

2) How is the reality of meeting Cordelia different from Elaine's fantasies about meeting Cordelia, and why?

3) Does Elaine have a realistic idea of what Cordelia is like? In what ways is Elaine's perception of Cordelia flawed, and in what ways is it accurate?

4) What are Elaine's positive and negative feelings toward Cordelia? Are the two women friends? Have they ever been friends?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss control in the novel.

1) Elaine believes that Cordelia wants her to kill herself, and is putting thoughts of suicide in her mind when Elaine is a young girl. How does Cordelia control her at that age? Does Elaine have a choice in the relationship?

2) Who has the control when Elaine and Cordelia are in high school, and why?

3) Does Cordelia continue to control Elaine, even when they are apart, years later in their lives?

4) Why does Elaine allow Josef to control her during their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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