40 pages • 1 hour read
Jaycee DugardA Stolen Life: A Memoir
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Jaycee is caged in prisons that are physical and mental. Describe both. In your opinion, which is more effective in holding her captive and why?
Discuss Nancy Garrido’s personality. Why do you think she helps Phillip? How does she relate to Jaycee?
Explain the goals of the JAYC Foundation. What personal benefit do you think Jaycee derives from it?
Phillip uses a number of different tactics to control Jaycee. Give examples of three. In your opinion, why does he succeed?
Describe Jaycee as she was at the time of her abduction and after she was freed. How did her attitude change? What challenges does she face as a free person?
Gaslighting is a term that psychologists use to describe a tactic employed by both sociopaths and narcissists. Explain the concept. How does Phillip use it to control Jaycee?
Aside from Nancy, who else might be accused of enabling the abuse that Jaycee suffered. Why?
Give a character sketch of Phillip Garrido. What motivates his behavior? In your opinion, could he be rehabilitated.?
Shortly after Jaycee’s liberation, she works with a psychiatrist who uses equine therapy. Why do you think that Jaycee might respond to this particular healing modality?
Describe Jaycee’s relationship with her daughters. What challenges does she face because of them both during her captivity and afterward?
