What are the attitudes of the different women in Strickland's life? What effect do these attitudes have?

Why does Crabbe reveal so little about himself in the story? He is a major player, yet he tells the story as though he has no influence in it. How would the story be different if Crabbe had no involvement?

Do you think it is symbolically appropriate that Strickland gets leprosy? What does this imply about his social connections?

Various characters disagree on the nature of beauty, and how to recognize genius. What do you think makes something beautiful? What makes someone a genius?

Why do you think Strickland changes so abruptly when he decides to become a painter? Why do you think he had chosen such an ordinary, domestic life before?

Compare and contrast the city of Paris with the jungles of Tahiti. Which place would...