Susan Minot's work remains popular in part because it speaks to the emotional denigration women often still suffer despite advances in other areas of life. Her disconnected style strikes a chord with many women who feel isolated or lost in their interpersonal relationships.

1. To what degree do you feel that the lack of intimacy portrayed in the story is reflective of society in general?

2. When the protagonist in the story states that her problems had to do with something else entirely, what did she mean?

What are her problems?

3. What role does the protagonist's family play in the story? Do you think the protagonist has an intimate relationship with her family?

4. Why do you think that Susan Minot chose the title "Lust" for her story?

Do you feel that lust is the primary emotional expression in the story? If not, what is?

Irene M. Reed, Esq...