1. Rita uses her fat as both a barrier and a shield. What other devices do people use to protect themselves? Can these devices have both negative and positive aspects?

2. There is a large age difference between Rita and Arnold. Do you find their love believable? What difficulties do they face in such a relationship?

3. Rita makes a distinction between rich and middle-class inhabitants of Sag Harbor. Is Rita fair in her judgments?

4. Is Nicole a good friend to Rita?

What do you think of Nicole's relationship with Robert Swann—did she betray Rita?

5. Think about the problems Rita has which stem from her weight. How did Rita become overweight? Why does she overeat?

6. Do you believe that fat people are discriminated against in our society?

Are people in the United States obsessed with thinness? Are Rita's problems exacerbated because she is female?