The Woman in the Window

Identify three instances of nature imagery in the novel. How does this imagery contribute to the reader’s appreciation of Dr. Anna Fox’s agoraphobia?

Analyze Ethan’s language while he is messaging Dr. Fox under the alias of GrannyLizzie and identify the aspects of his messages that suggest he is not actually an elderly agoraphobe living in Montana. Discuss Anna’s inability to notice these flaws and the role they play in her victimization.

The author’s pseudonym, A.J. Finn, does not reveal the gender of the author, who happens to be a man. Does the knowledge of the author’s gender impact your understanding of Anna’s experience? Is her character more or less convincing because she is the invention of a man? Support your response with excerpts from the text.

Anna is not described in physical detail at any point in the novel. Discuss three events that give you some insight into her appearance and the physical impression she might make on other characters in the novel.

At the beginning of the novel, Anna’s relationship with her husband, Ed, is ambiguous. How does this ambiguity enhance the reader’s experience of discovering that he is actually dead? Support your response with excerpts from the text.

Film noir, Anna’s favorite film genre, is known for its use of flashbacks. Select the flashbacks that bring Anna’s experience with trauma to life and identify the details that give the flashback authenticity.

Analyze the author’s decision to make one encounter between David and Anna a sexual one. From the perspective of the novelist, what is the primary purpose of this encounter?

Which of Anna’s characteristics make her a sympathetic character? Which of her characteristics are alienating to the reader? In your opinion, does her combination of characteristics make her survival more or less of a celebration?