Diary of an Oxygen Thief

This narrative is told retrospectively, as the narrator speaks in the past tense. How does this retrospection play into the narrative? Do you think that this is effective, or would the story be more effective if told in the present tense? Explain your answer.

The narrator introduces Penelope as “the one who started it all” (6). What does he mean by this? Do you feel like this assertion is valid? Why or why not?

Do you think the narrator changes throughout the novel? If so, does he get better or worse? Explain your answer using evidence from the text.

Describe Aisling. Why do you think the narrator becomes so obsessed with her? Why does she treat him the way that she does? Does her treatment of him affect the way in which he views other people or reality?

Why does the narrator remain nameless? Are names important to the narrative’s storyline and/or themes? Why or why not?

What reason does the narrator give for the telling of his story? Do you believe these to be his true motives? Why or why not?

What role does control play within the themes and plot of the narrative? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

The narrator repeatedly talks about how what Aisling did to him was worse than what he did to other women. Do you believe these statements to be valid? Did the narrator get what he deserves? Explain your answer using textual evidence.