A reading of The Reef may be enhanced by an investigation of Wharton's life. A group discussion might be based upon a report of Wharton's affair with Morton Fullerton, which occurred shortly before the publication of this novel. Other discussions might focus on the conflict between public manners and private desires. Anna Leath comes from a neat, orderly world where nothing (not even a feeling) is ever permitted to be slightly askew. One avenue of discussion might be whether Anna has been irreparably damaged by her upbringing. Discussions might also be based upon Wharton's use of George Darrow's and Anna Leath's points of view. One might consider whether Wharton is equally successful at presenting a male point of view as a female. One might also consider how a reader's attitude toward Darrow changes during the course of the novel.

In particular, one needs to explain why...