Mildred Pierce

The novel’s male characters are largely self-centered and sexually predatory; its female characters have to manipulate men to achieve what they want. Does this spell doom for an emotionally and intellectually companionate marriage? Why or why not?

Consider Mildred’s relationships with women. How do her interactions with them change during the course of the narrative?

Discuss sexuality in the novel. Is sexual desire stigmatized? How does the novel deal with physical pleasure—and does it handle it differently for men and women?

Analyze the emotions and politics of divorce in the novel. Why does Bert initially reject the idea of divorce?

Compare and contrast characters who routinely indulge in self-delusion and those who do not lie to themselves. What generalizations can you draw about each group? Is one better suited for the novel’s world then the other?

Discuss the mother-daughter relationship. What are its key dynamics? What does each character stand to gain or lose from the other?

What genres does this novel straddle? Which features from each does it use faithfully? Which does it subvert?

What are Mildred’s flaws? How does she deal with her shortcomings? Do these qualities remain the same throughout the novel? Why or why not?