Freedom

The characters in the story go to great lengths to make themselves unhappy, even though they are often aware that their decisions are unwise. What drives Patty, Joey, and Richard to continue making the mistakes that complicate their lives and strain their relationships?

Franzen makes an authorial choice to deny Jessica her own chapter. What purpose does it serve for the reader to observe Jessica primarily through the perspective of other people?

Discuss the evolution of the Berglund men, beginning with Einar and continuing through Joey. In what ways are Walter and Joey similar to Einar and Gene? How are they different? In your opinion, does Walter manage to be a better father than Gene was to him? Why or why not?

One of the major themes of the novel is that some types of freedom can only come through the voluntary captivity of an institution like marriage. How does each character pursue freedom, and how does each character fail or succeed in their pursuit?

Why is Richard—who describes himself as loyal to Walter—willing to sleep with the women whom Walter desires? From Richard’s perspective, how is this act of ostensible betrayal actually a demonstration of loyalty?

Describe the contrast between Lalitha and the other major characters. Why does she adore Walter unconditionally? What is the source of tension between her and Jessica? Given her devotion to Walter and environmentalism—by way of her concern for overpopulation—why doesn’t she share his enthusiasm for nature?

Patty’s mother, Joyce, is neglectful and unsupportive during much of Patty’s childhood. When Patty confronts her about missing her sporting events, Joyce deflects the question and leaves Patty without a firm resolution. Patty shows an inordinate amount of attention to Joey, even though she has two children. Discuss the possible parallels between Patty’s treatment of Jessica, and Joyce’s treatment of Patty.

Walter and Richard begin the novel as competitors, a reality that persists throughout the various stages of their lives. How and why are they able to sustain their competitive, unspoken challenges to each other, particularly when they are each successes in their own right? How does Walter eventually win the competition with Richard after losing Patty, even though Patty chose to marry him in the beginning?