The Drowning Woman

Art and heirlooms appear throughout the novel, particularly in the Laval residence. How does art function as a symbol or motif throughout the novel, and how does it relate to the novel’s tone and themes?

Both Benjamin and Jesse (Carter) are antagonists in the novel. Using textual evidence, explore what character similarities they share and how they differ from each other.

How do the voice and tone of the sections from Lee’s perspective versus Hazel’s differ? How do their voices and tone change by the novel’s end?

The novel refers to plastic surgery, gym addiction, and the effect of simple cosmetics on self-image. How does it represent Hazel’s and Lee’s experiences of self-image and personal appearance?

The novel details “the room” where Benjamin sends Hazel to punish her and describes their BDSM contract and its quick devolution into abuse. However, the novel doesn’t include real-time depictions of sexual abuse. How does the fact that the novel refers to Benjamin’s abuse but doesn’t describe it affect its tone and representation of themes?

In addition to the four key characters, the novel includes several minor figures: Randy, Vanessa, Rachelle, Nate, and Detective French. Of these minor characters, which is the most complex? Why?

How does the novel represent law enforcement and the legal system? What does it suggest about financial versus judicial power?

How do depictions of Seattle’s climate and the beach landscape relate to the tone and themes of the novel?