Three Women

Describe and analyze the way that, in Maggie’s case, “nuance was shelved in favor of the world troubled” (302).

How does Maggie’s relationship with Matteo illustrate the dynamics of some sexual assault and rape cases?

Taddeo’s mother warns her to never let “[other women] see you happy.” (297). How does this warning connect to the portraits Taddeo presents of her three subjects?

Contrast the imagery and language Lina uses to describe her sexual relationship with Ed with the imagery and language used to describe her sexual relationship with Aidan. What do the shifts in language reveal about the dynamics?

Sloane wants to explain to Jenny how “everything, from the outside, looked absolutely perfect” (285). Compare how Sloane is projected to the outside world with the insights the reader learns about her inner experience.

How do each of the subjects in Three Women suppress her desires to accommodate and please men? Are there any instances in which the women experience satisfaction on their own terms?

Analyze how childhood traumas affect the Three Women’s sexual and romantic relationships as adults.

Taddeo is interested in the ways that women’s sexual experiences or desires are condemned or denied, particularly by other women. Describe how this condemnation is experienced by each character.