42 pages • 1 hour read
William StyronSophie's Choice
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979A 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
Stingo takes a very specific view of the nature of the Holocaust. How does he define it? Who are its perpetrators? Who are its victims?
Sophie is deeply affected by classical music. Where does music feature in the story? Why?
Stingo notes that Nathan and Sophie’s relationship is doomed. It might also be viewed as inevitable. Explain why this is so.
The title, Sophie’s Choice, refers to Sophie’s sacrifice of Eva. How else might the title be interpreted?
Stingo’s sexual experience is of major concern to him throughout the book. How are his liaisons used to further the plot?
Language arts are a recurring motif in the novel. Give examples of the form language takes with reference to various characters.
Sophie is not the only character who is afflicted by a debilitating sense of guilt. Give examples of the guilt that haunts Stingo.
What role does Sophie’s father play in forming her conclusions about herself? Give examples of his influence.
Why do you think Stingo waits 20 years before writing down the story of Sophie and Nathan?
Various characters make choices over the course of the story. Give examples of some of these choices and how they lead to unfortunate consequences.
Related Titles
By William Styron
