50 pages 1 hour read

Romantic Comedy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Essay Topics

1.

In what way does Sittenfeld both celebrate and subvert tropes of the romantic-comedy genre? What theme or message do these tropes help Sittenfeld develop? Cite an example from the book to support your argument.

2.

Sally often compares her power and talent as a writer to the power Viv and Henrietta wield on the show as onstage talents. How might Sally’s character arc change if she were an actor on the show rather than a writer behind the scenes?

3.

Do you agree with Sally’s “Danny Horst Rule?” Explain your reasoning.

4.

How does writing (in various forms) bring Noah and Sally closer together? Consider not just their email exchanges but also their roles as writers in their private and public lives.

5.

Discuss Sally’s experiences with online hate because of her relationship with Noah. How are they similar to or different from Noah’s experiences with fans onstage?

6.

How does the perspective of new, younger writers working at TNO begin to shift Sally’s own perspective on gender roles in the workplace? What does this shift reveal about the cultural context of Sittenfeld’s novel?

7.

Sally finds romantic comedies cheesy and overdramatic. Do you agree or disagree? Explain why.

8.

Explain the significance of Noah’s “grand gesture” to Sally. How is it different from more traditional grand gestures in the romantic-comedy genre, and why does Sittenfeld choose it for her feminist take on the genre?

9.

Sittenfeld situates the rehabilitation of Sally and Noah’s relationship during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Why do you think Sittenfeld chose this environment for Chapter 2?

10.

In what ways does Sittenfeld use the characters of Viv and Henrietta to expand and subvert the typical “best friend” romantic comedy role? Cite examples from the text to support your argument.

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