Referring to examples from the lives of Tamar Hernshaw and David Crimond, explain how the novel reflects the state of postwar Britain in its perspective on inherited wealth, status, class and education.

Does the author promote the idea that morality is equated with sentimentality, or does Iris Murdoch believe in an objective goodness? Base your answer on examples from the novel.

Explain how the death of Sinclair Curtland affects the subsequent events in the lives of Crimond, Jean and Duncan.

Does Jenkin's death represent a form of redemption in the lives of Crimond and Duncan? Why or why not?

Explain how the decisions of Lily Boyne influence the lives of Tamar Hernshaw and Jean Cambus.

Does the feminist Jean Cambus have realistic ideas about love? Why or why not?

Does the author believe that man has free will or that man is entirely subject...