Examine the role of silence in Presumed Guilty—both in the courtroom and in characters’ relationships? How do characters use silence strategically, and when does silence or lack of communication become a liability to themselves or others?

How does the structure of the text and Turow’s stylistic choices cast doubt on Aaron’s innocence? Provide textual evidence to support your answer.

What is the role of intergenerational trauma in the novel, both for individuals and families? Consider how the past shapes the characters’ decisions and moral compasses in the present.

Analyze how Turow portrays time, both in terms of pacing and characters’ memories. How does the passage of time impact the narrative tension?

Examine the role of foreshadowing in the narrative with textual evidence. What details does Turow provide early in the novel that foreshadow Joe’s role in Mae’s death?

How do the unique regional qualities of Skageon and Marenago County influence their inhabitants’ worldviews and beliefs? Compare and contrast the two settings.

How does the novel adhere to and deviate from genre conventions as a legal thriller? Cite specific examples.

Compare and contrast the text’s portrayal of the victim’s family and the defendant’s family during the murder trial. How is their suffering similar and different? What changes does their grief produce?