Lives of Girls and Women

How does religion function in the text? What role does it play in Del’s understanding of the world?

Why does Del store Craig’s manuscript in the basement? Why isn’t she interested in finishing it, despite her interest in storytelling and writing? Support your response with evidence from the text.

Discuss the role of storytelling in the text. Who engages in storytelling, and what purpose(s) does it serve? How do stories affect Del’s internal conflict throughout The Lives of Girls and Women?

Consider Munro’s treatment of gender roles and norms. In what ways do characters subvert gender norms? How do social prejudices against women intersect with prejudices against people in lower economic classes?

Consider the structure of short fiction in comparison to novel-length fiction. How does Munro’s collection function similarly to a novel? How does it differ?

Discuss the use of allusions in the text. How does Munro use other works of literature to develop Del’s coming-of-age experience?

Discuss the role of Fern Dogherty. How does her presence in the stories impact Ada and Del? What messages does Munro offer about friendships among women via Fern?

Examine Del’s tone throughout the text. Does it change as the stories advance chronologically, or remain consistent? How does this affect the reading of the overall collection?