Compare and contrast the characters of Dr. Breuer and Friedrich Nietzsche. Do they have similar struggles? Can they truly understand one another?

Compare Nietzsche's obsession of Lou with Breuer's obsession of Bertha. How are the two women different? How are they similar?

Discuss the symbolism of Breuer's pigeons. Will setting the pigeons free help him more than it hurts him? What do they mean to him?

What role does Freud play in this story? Is he more of a teacher or more of a student? Is he a character foil to Dr. Breuer?

Why do you think Nietzsche talks about embracing isolation when it is one of his greatest fears? Does his past have anything to do with this?

During the hypnotism scene in Chapter 21, did you find yourself siding with Josef or Mathilde during their argument? Why?

How do you feel about the...