Olive, Again

In “Helped,” what does Suzanne mean when she says that it is our duty to “bear the burden of the mystery with as much grace as we can?” (115). What mystery is she talking about, and why is it our duty? How does Suzanne’s approach to faith align with how the other characters approach human connection and loneliness?

How does Olive and Christopher’s relationship change over the course of the book? How does Olive’s perception of raising Christopher signal her growth?

At the end of “Pedicure,” Jack thinks—“he was alone with his nighttime dream. As people always are with these things” (169). What does he mean when he says, “these things?” How does the rest of the book explore Jack’s feelings in this moment?

Analyze the relationship between Kayley and Mr. Ringrose in “Cleaning.” What is Strout trying to say with this story?

When Denny Pelletier begins his walk in “The Walk,” why is Denny troubled? How does his understanding shift? When he returns home, how has Denny’s attitude transformed?

At the end of the book, Olive types: “I do not have a clue who I have been” (290). How has Olive’s understanding of herself changed throughout the book? How does her realization illustrate Strout’s exploration of identity?

How does Strout explore prejudice in contemporary rural America? What is she trying to say, and how does she illustrate it in the text?

What are Olive Kitteridge’s key character traits? How do these traits contribute to her transformation throughout the book? How do they impact others?