The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance

There are multiple references to music in the novel. Choose three examples of musical references and explain how these references enhance or highlight important themes in the novel.

There are two films referenced in the novel. One is It’s a Wonderful Life and the other is The Bridge Over the River Kwai. Perform close readings of the references to these films and analyze their function in the narrative. Consider them especially in relation to one another and how they might tie different plot points together.

George’s phone call home to his wife from Mexico is emotionally charged. Perform a close reading of that phone call and discuss how the conversation reflects, highlights, or undermines arguments found elsewhere in the novel.

Sam argues that Charles and Erica are both simplistic and unrealistic depictions of people in their respective positions. Write an essay in which you use the text and secondary sources to show how these characters have complexities and realistic elements to counter Sam’s points.

At the beginning of the novel Laura tells her students to find the connection between the Wordsworth quote they discuss in class and Great Expectations. That connection is never revealed in the text. What effect does leaving that question unanswered have on the novel?

Laura refuses to respond to Sam’s apologies after the fight at the dinner party, but then is angry at Sam for his dishonesty with her friends at her TV viewing get-together. Explain how Laura either is or is not being inconsistent with her responses, using direct evidence from the text.

Sam, Laura, and the students at the school are all angry that the administration chooses to fire Sam. Write an essay defending the school’s decision using direct evidence from the text. Consider especially Sam’s explanation of why he accepts the decision and the three scenes in Sam’s classroom.

Sam’s primary rhetorical strategy is to employ anecdotes to illustrate his points. Choose three of these anecdotes and analyze how Sam employs them in his argument. Take care to focus on how the anecdotes either help or hinder his larger argument.