|
1. Each husband’s section opens with
an illustrative moniker (for example, "Poor Ernie Diaz,"
"Goddamn Don Adler," "Agreeable Robert Jamison"). Discuss the
meaning and significance of some of these descriptions. How do
they set the tone for the section that follows? Did you read
these characterizations as coming from Evelyn, Monique, an
omniscient narrator, or someone else?
2. Of the seven husbands, who was your favorite, and why? Who
surprised you the most?
3. Monique notes that hearing Evelyn Hugo’s life story has
inspired her to carry herself differently than she would have
before. In what ways does Monique grow over the course of the
novel? Discuss whether Evelyn also changes by the end of her
time with Monique, and if so, what spurs this evolution.
4. On page 147, Monique says, "I have to 'Evelyn Hugo' Evelyn
Hugo." What does it mean to "Evelyn Hugo"? Can you think of a
time when you might be tempted to "Evelyn Hugo"?
5. Did you trust Evelyn to be a reliable narrator as you were
reading? Why, or why not? Did your opinion on this change at all
by the conclusion, and if so, why?
6. What role do the news, tabloid, and blog articles
interspersed throughout the book serve in the narrative? What,
if anything, do we learn about Evelyn’s relationship to the
outside world from them?
7. At several points in the novel, such as pages 82–83 and
175–82, Evelyn tells her story through the second person, "you."
How does this kind of narration affect the reading experience?
Why do you think she chooses these memories to recount in this
way?
8. How do you think Evelyn’s understanding and awareness of
sexuality were shaped by her relationship with Billy—the boy who
works at the five-and-dime store? How does her sensibility
evolve from this initial encounter? As she grows older, to what
extent is Evelyn’s attitude toward sex is influenced by those
around her?
9. On page 54, Evelyn uses the saying "all’s well that ends
well" as part of her explanation for not regretting her actions.
Do you think Evelyn truly believes this? Using examples from
later in her life, discuss why or why not. How do you think this
idea relates to the similar but more negatively associated
phrase "the ends justify the means"?
10. Evelyn offers some firm words of wisdom throughout her
recounting of her life, such as "Be wary of men with something
to prove" (p. 77), "Never let anyone make you feel ordinary" (p.
208), and "It is OK to grovel for something you really want"
(p.192). What is your favorite piece of advice from Evelyn? Were
there any assertions you strongly disagreed with?
11. Several times, Evelyn mentions having cosmetic surgery. What
was your reaction to this? How do these decisions jibe with the
value system and ethical code that she seems to live by? Why do
you think Evelyn continues to dye her hair at the end of her
life?
12. Review the scenes on pages 199 and 348, in which Evelyn
relays memories of conversing in Spanish after years without
speaking it. Discuss the role language plays in her
understanding of who she is. In what ways does her relationship
to her Cuban identity parallel her experiences with her
sexuality, and in what ways does it differ?
13. If you could meet and interview one celebrity at the end of
their life, who would it be? What would you ask them?
|
|