A Flicker in the Dark

Novels within the crime thriller genre often employ plot twists, red herrings, and cliffhangers to heighten the suspense of the novel. Provide examples of how Willingham incorporates these elements of the genre into her novel. In what ways do these elements build toward the climax? How would the resolution change with a change in the elements listed above?

A foil character is a contrasting character who highlights a characteristic in their opposing character. Discuss one foil character pair in the novel. How do they contrast? What qualities does each character highlight in the other?

Discuss the way pieces of jewelry are used to communicate in the novel. What does the jewelry symbolize for the various characters in the novel? How does jewelry become the crux of relationships for Cooper Davis, Chloe Davis, Daniel Briggs, and others?

How does Chloe change throughout the novel? What greater themes does Willingham reflect in Chloe’s development? Why?

Breaux Bridge becomes a monolith of the past for Chloe as she describes her childhood. Using your own analysis of the narrative, make an argument for why Chloe’s parents chose to handle Cooper’s actions, using Breaux Bridge as a backdrop. Why would they have decided to prevent justice? How does the town as a character play into their decisions?

Coping mechanisms are behaviors that individuals use to avoid unpleasant emotions. Analyze the coping mechanisms employed by the characters around Chloe in the novel. What impact do these coping mechanisms have on the character’s development? What impact do they have on Chloe?

Discuss Willingham’s organization of the novel. What function does each part serve? What effect does each choice have on the novel?

Provide an example of Willingham’s commentary on gender featured in the novel. Analyze the meaning of this example and compare how the story would change if gender roles were reversed. Use passages from the text to support your argument.