Still Life

Evelyn Skinner remains an important presence in this novel, even when the narration doesn’t focus on her life. What is the significance of Evelyn’s character? How does she embody some of Winman’s central messages and themes?

Peggy is a strong female character who is deeply affected by external forces. Analyze Peggy’s character development through a focus on the ups and downs of her life, her decaying dreams, and her revitalization.

Alys is the youngest character in this novel and represents the progress of history and hope for a brighter future. What qualities in Alys reveal this theme? How is Alys’s character development influenced by her support system and by her society?

The life lessons and character developments in this novel would be impossible without Ulysses Temper’s surprising inheritance of the house in Florence from Arturo. Why is this inheritance and his decision to move significant? Do you think Ulysses made the right decision? Explain your reasoning.

Evelyn is deeply moved by art while Cress is deeply moved by nature. In your opinion, does the novel position art and nature as opposites? Is there something art can do that nature cannot, and vice versa? Explain your reasoning.

Two characters, Ginny and Devy, have intellectual disabilities. Do these characters lead fulfilling lives? How does the novel treat the subject of disability in post-WWII England?

Rather than experiencing one major life change, the novel’s characters undergo several new beginnings in their lives. What is Winman’s message about the spectrum of life? Select three characters to analyze through this lens.

Just as Ulysses inherits a fortune from Arturo and starts his new life, Europe uses funds from the Marshall Plan to rebuild itself after the war. Does Winman represent the United States as a selfless benefactor like Arturo, or does she characterize American generosity in another light? Support your response with historical and textual evidence.