The Wedding People

Examine the novel’s exploration of infidelity. While Matt physically cheats on Phoebe, she fantasizes about him behaving as a completely different person. How do Phoebe’s fantasies reveal the complexities of betrayal within romantic relationships? Consider her emotional connection to Gary. What do her choices reflect about her internal conflict, and how do they parallel Mia’s decisions? Support your analysis with specific textual evidence.

In The Wedding People, classic literature is a recurring motif that enriches the narrative. Choose one specific literary reference and analyze its significance within the story. How does this chosen work relate to the experiences or emotions of the characters? How does it enhance the novel’s themes?

What qualities make Phoebe a fitting maternal figure for Juice? Analyze the nature of their relationship and how it fulfills both characters’ needs. By the end of the novel, Phoebe is content with the decision not to have children. What factors motivate this decision, and how does this connect to the theme of Motherhood and the Expectation of Sacrifice?

Despite addressing serious themes like suicide and infidelity, the author employs a comedic tone throughout the novel. What purpose does this stylistic choice serve in conveying the characters’ experiences, and how does it affect the discussions of these heavy topics?

Phoebe defends Lila’s materialistic tendencies, claiming that people’s clothing choices often reflect their personality traits. Analyze Phoebe’s clothing choices and how they represent her character development throughout the novel. How do these choices reflect her identity? How do they contribute to her personal growth and evolution?

Before ultimately deciding not to rekindle her relationship with Matt, Phoebe fantasizes about his return. What key transformations does Phoebe undergo during her time at the Cornwall Inn that leads her to this decision? How do these changes signify her growth as a character?

How does The Wedding People both critique and celebrate traditional weddings and the associated costs? Analyze how Lila and Gary’s wedding guests experience the dual nature of these events, highlighting both the benefits and burdens the individuals encounter. Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.

How does Newport, Rhode Island, with its opulent Gilded Age mansions, serve as a backdrop that mirrors the novel’s exploration of false pretenses and excess? What commentary does the setting provide on the characters’ experiences and motivations for their actions?