The Perfect Couple

Characters in the novel refer to Merritt Monaco as “fast” and “dangerous” at various times. What makes Merritt so dangerous? Do you agree with this assessment? Support your answer with reasons and examples from the text.

Greer wants to deliver the perfect wedding for Benji and Celeste. Why do you think Greer is so focused on executing a flawless event? Consider her focus in terms of her private and public desires.

Explain the symbolism behind Merritt’s ring, illustrating your answer with textual evidence. How does what the ring means change across characters and over the course of the novel? How do those different meanings come together to support one or more of the novel’s major themes?

Celeste finds Benji’s privilege slightly distasteful. Do you agree with Celeste’s views and why? Support your answer with textual evidence.

Tag describes Merritt as a “black widow” spider who can destroy his marriage, while Merritt thinks Tag pursued her relentlessly. Which perspective do you think is closer to the truth? Is either perspective completely true?

Author Elin Hilderbrand uses multiple points of view and timelines to construct the narrative. How does the use of these various perspectives and time shifts affect your reading of the novel?

An island can be both an escape and a prison. How does this apply to Nantucket? Give an example of how Nantucket (literally or figuratively) functions as an escape for a character and as a prison for another.

Examine the novel’s depiction of women. What unique or more intense challenges do the women face in the context of maintaining their public versus private personas?