38 pages 1 hour read

Manuel Puig

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

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Essay Topics

1.

It becomes clear that Molina is a spy for the warden and is supposed to pull information out of Valentin, in order to be pardoned. What are Molina’s motivations, before moving into the cell with Valentin, and how do they change over the course of the novel?

2.

Sexuality is a major theme in Kiss of the Spider Woman. How do Molina and Valentin resist or subvert traditional roles of sexual orientation?

3.

Molina tells stories throughout the novel, using movie plots as a form of escapism. How do the movie plots reflect Molina and Valentin’s situation? Use at least one movie plot in your explanation.