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Read 5 Pulitzer Titles in 5 Months!

To commemorate the centennial of the Pulitzer Prizes, six libraries from across New Mexico are partnering with the New Mexico Humanities C...

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Discussion Questions: The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever



We are just two weeks away from our first Pulitzer discussion!  A few sample questions are listed below.  If you would like more discussion questions, click on the Thomas Branigan Memorial tab. If you have questions or thoughts about any of the stories in the book post them in the comment section or bring them to our meeting.

“Torch Song”

  1. Why is the title “Torch Song”?
  2. How does the narrator describe Joan?
  3. Why does the narrator omit the names of women that Jack dates or marries?
  4. What is the significance of the last paragraph in the story?

“The Wrysons”

  1. Why is Irene always dreaming about the hydrogen bomb?
  2. Why does Donald secretly bake cakes?
  3. The Wrysons are described as incapable of grasping life’s complexities. Is this description accurate?

“The Children”

  1. Does your opinion of Victor and Theresa change as the story progresses?
  2. Does Violet’s perception of her parents influence your perception of them?
  3. How does Mr. Matherly shape Victor’s character?

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