The Guest

Alex has a deep connection to bodies of water. What does the symbolism of the water do for her? How does this reveal certain layers of her characterization?

Identify and analyze the significance of marginal characters who, like Alex, work to serve the wealthy. What do these characters add to the development of characterization and themes?

Alex numbs her stress with painkillers. How does her abuse of pain medication escalate her problems? What does this drug abuse reveal about Alex?

When Simon kicks Alex out, she becomes unhoused. Put yourself in Alex’s shoes. What should she do next, and why?

What does Alex’s theft of Dom’s drugs and money reveal about her? How does Alex escalate the drama in her life, and why does she do this?

Jack becomes a liability for Alex. In the chaos that is their couple of days together, which character do you find the most sympathetic? Explain your reasoning.

Analyze Alex as a mysterious protagonist. What makes her mysterious? How does this mystery help develop the key themes and plot?

Cline uses striking imagery to capture the beauty of the novel’s setting. Alex is moved by this beauty, but she also sees a more sinister foundation the beauty is masking. Analyze the use of setting and imagery to develop theme.