Discuss Ducane's relationships with Jessica and Kate. How are the relationships similar to or different from each other. Why is Ducane in each of these relationships?

Why does Murdoch title the novel The Nice and the Good? What does this indicate about her belief in love?

Why does Pierce swim into Gunnar's Cave? How does this experience change both him and Ducane?

Choose one relationship in the novel and describe its course through the novel. What secrets are kept within or from the relationship? How does the relationship change?

Kate and Octavian's marriage is described by Mary as a happy one. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Judy McGrath weaves through the novel. How is she connected to the other characters? What is she looking for in her experiences with the other characters? Why does Ducane reject her?

Willy's secret is the only one...