DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The Push |
1. In the book, Blythe struggles with feelings of inadequacy as
she fails to live up to the perfect ideal of motherhood. How do societal
pressures contribute to those feelings? How do you think society views
motherhood—what it should look like, how it should feel, even who should
be a mother—and what kind of burden does that place on women?
2. Does being a “good mother” always require selflessness and
unconditional love? How much of ourselves do we owe our children?
3. What are your thoughts about Blythe as a mother? Did she fail
Violet? Sam? What could or should she have done differently?
4. The theory of inherited trauma—that we carry the scars of past
generations—is explored through Blythe’s mother and grandmother, who
struggled in similar ways to her. How much do you think we carry forward
from the experiences of the generation before us? Is it possible to
break the cycle completely?
5. Nature versus nurture is a big theme in The
Push. Are we born, or are we made? And, especially, when
children turn out to be violent or dangerous, how much blame lies with
the way they are raised?
6. Blythe writes that both she and her mother “had only one
version of the truth” when it comes to what they can remember about
their own upbringings—there isn’t anyone left who can tell them a
different side of the story. Do you think we subconsciously reframe what
we remember about our past? Did you believe everything Blythe remembered
about her childhood?
7. Blythe says of her early relationship with Fox: “I had nothing
when I met you, and you effortlessly became my everything.” What did you
think about the quality of their relationship from the outset? Is there
something dangerous about a love so all-consuming and addictive?
8. Do you think Fox ever lied about not believing Blythe in order
to protect Violet? If so, do you think trying to protect his daughter
was a good enough reason to doubt his wife?
9. When Blythe and Fox speak for the last time, Fox tells Blythe,
“[Violet] wasn’t always easy. But she deserved more from you. And you
deserved more from me.” What do you think Fox lacked as a husband?
10. Were you surprised by the nature of Blythe and Gemma’s
relationship? Even though it was based on a lie, do you think there was
real friendship and understanding there?
11. Do you think Gemma was always being truthful with Blythe
about her feelings for Violet?
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