Here are some discussion questions for you all to ponder before next discussion, courtesy of Jenn! Thanks Jenn!
1. What's in a name? Is it possible that Stephen's name influenced her personality? Or perhaps the fact that her father treated her as the boy he'd always wanted? Which side (if either) of the nature/nurture debate does Radclyffe Hall seem to be taking?
2. The Well of Loneliness has been called the "lesbian bible." Do you think that this title is still applicable today, nearly 100 years since its original publication? Are the challenges the characters face throughout the novel still relevant for the queer community today?
3. The introduction to the story suggests that the book should be read for its historical value, rather than its literary value. Do you agree/disagree with this statement?
4. Religion seems to have played a large part in Stephen's understanding of her identity. She often identifies with biblical figures who had suffered. Do you think this helped her understand and accept her identity, or made it harder for her?
5. Stephen's sexuality and gender identity have been debated, with many readers believing her to be a lesbian, while many others believe her to have been transgendered. Is this an important distinction to make, or not?
1. What's in a name? Is it possible that Stephen's name influenced her personality? Or perhaps the fact that her father treated her as the boy he'd always wanted? Which side (if either) of the nature/nurture debate does Radclyffe Hall seem to be taking?
2. The Well of Loneliness has been called the "lesbian bible." Do you think that this title is still applicable today, nearly 100 years since its original publication? Are the challenges the characters face throughout the novel still relevant for the queer community today?
3. The introduction to the story suggests that the book should be read for its historical value, rather than its literary value. Do you agree/disagree with this statement?
4. Religion seems to have played a large part in Stephen's understanding of her identity. She often identifies with biblical figures who had suffered. Do you think this helped her understand and accept her identity, or made it harder for her?
5. Stephen's sexuality and gender identity have been debated, with many readers believing her to be a lesbian, while many others believe her to have been transgendered. Is this an important distinction to make, or not?
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