53 pages 1 hour read

Elena Ferrante

The Lying Life of Adults

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Essay Topics

1.

The concept of compunction comes up several times in The Lying Life of Adults. Define compunction, and then define how both Giovanna and Roberto use it in the text. What does their understanding of the term ultimately reveal about the ending of Chapter 6 for each character? Provide examples.

2.

Different types of love arise in the narrative, including romantic, fatherly, and intellectual love. Choose 3 characters and explain how they approach love. What does their approach to love say about viewing love as absolute?

3.

Compare Rione Alto and the Industrial Zone. Who inhabits which space? What symbolism do characters attribute to each area and why? Is there ever crossover? If so, what does this reveal about these spaces?