Presumed Innocent | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Presumed Innocent Topics for Discussion

Good mysteries provide misdirection. The reader is led toward identifying one character as the guilty party and then another and another. The objective is to take the reader's eye off the real murderer. Did the author achieve that goal? When did you know who the killer was?

Rusty Sabich is a complex man. He can be loyal and unfaithful, loving and distant, honest and manipulative. Do you think the reader is supposed to like him? Does it matter? Do you like him?

Many words were expended in this novel on Rusty's fascination with Carolyn. Why do you think that was so important to emphasize? Would it have made any difference if he was not so obsessed with her?

Carolyn has affairs with several of her coworkers, all of whom have the potential to help her career. Why do you think a woman as smart and capable as she is would...
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