The Only Woman in the Room

Consider the metaphor of acting; how does the novel employ this metaphor to represent the major themes of the text? What similarities does performativity share with political machinations? 

As a work of historical fiction, the novel draws upon real events to craft fictional scenes. Choose one event and compare the novel’s depiction of it to how the event was described in papers or textbooks. Analyze the differences and explain the similarities. 

The novel often portrays politics, policies, and regime changes as happening gradually and with little of the general public’s knowledge. Choose a historical event from the book and unpack the significance of the act’s covertness. Why is some power wielded subtly while some is enforced aggressively? 

Explain the significance of the title. What alternative meanings can you glean from it, and how do you think it reflects Hedy Lamarr’s actual life?

Because there is no official evidence of Fritz’s abuse in real life, why do you think Benedict chose to portray their marriage in this manner? What could his possessiveness and violence symbolize for the rest of the novel?

In the beginning of the novel, Hedy fails to see herself as Jewish because she does not practice the religion or dress in Orthodox clothing. How and why does this change throughout the novel? Why is it important for her to accept this part of her identity?

Describe how Hedy’s mother serves as a foil for her. How do their differences influence their relationship? Why is Hedy’s mother the one who represents traditional understandings of femininity?

How did Hedy’s upbringing contribute to her love of science? How did her time with Fritz lay the groundwork for her later invention?