Essay Topics
The narration of Sorrow and Bliss, while mostly featuring a chronological timeline, also contains disjointed recollections and observations from Martha that come back again at different points in the story. How does the narrative structure reflect Martha’s changing perceptions and character arc? Would you consider Martha an unreliable narrator? Why or why not?
The sense of isolation Martha feels is partially due to her illness, but she also gradually accepts the effect of her own actions as well. What is the role of agency in the novel? How do different characters learn to exercise agency, or fail to do so?
Compare Ingrid and Winsome’s characters. What are the similarities they share, and how are they different? What patterns seem to repeat in each of their lives, especially with respect to their experiences of motherhood, and/or their relationship with their sisters and families?
