With its graphic sexuality and blunt language, What I Lived For will be embarrassing for some people. Discussion will want to address the issue of whether Oates has been too sensational and too graphic or has achieved a literary aim beneath the novel's raw surface.

1. How does Oates's stream-of-consciousness technique allow you to sympathize or not sympathize with Corky?

How well does she capture the feelings of a man in the throes of alcoholism?

2. How does Corky carry on his father's legacy? Is it an honorable one?

3. Does the novel create a fair portrait of the Irish? Of a particular man of Irish heritage? Why does it include a narrative of Corky's Irish ancestors, Dermott, Joseph, and Gahern Corcoran?

4. What kind of attitude does Corky have towards women? Are there any women to admire in this novel?

5. Why is Corky so upset about Marilee's death? How...