The Rosie Project

Does Rosie’s acceptance of Don’s proposal make sense? Describe her character and why you believe she would fall in love with and marry Don. Be sure to include each stage of their relationship, and explore the moment in the novel when she begins to see Don as a potential partner.

How does empathy relate to love? Don explains how these concepts are different for him. Do you agree that Don is capable of love? Explain. Be sure to include an explanation of how love and empathy intertwine. You must use examples from Don’s relationships with Daphne, Gene, Claudia, and Rosie.

A significant theme of this novel is the search for love. Explore how Gene, Don, and Rosie are each on a search for love. Are the characters successful in finding the kind of love they want? Explain.

Don says that he “reforms” (264) himself during the novel. How is his inner transformation reflected outwardly? How does his transformation determine the outcome of his story? Describe three instances where Don demonstrates changed behavior as a result of his new insights. You must include at least one example that includes a character other than Rosie; you may choose from the following characters: Gene, the Dean, Kevin Yu, Phil, and Claudia.

Though Don never explicitly states that he has Asperger’s Syndrome—a type of autism—he clearly demonstrates many of its characteristics. In what specific ways does Don exhibit the characteristics of autism? Drawing on your own research into Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s, discuss the ways in which Don is successful, or not, in overcoming his autistic characteristics. Be sure to account for Don’s belief that autism is an “advantage” (10).

Rosie espouses many traditionally “feminist” views. In what ways is her character a feminist? In what ways does Don appear to be more, or less, of a “feminist” than Rosie? What do you think Simsion is trying to say about feminism? What are some feminist principles that are upheld in this novel, if any, and by whom? Be sure to include Don’s Wife Project questionnaire in your discussion.

At the beginning of the novel, Don has very fixed—but idiosyncratic—views of ethics, rules, and morality. How do Don’s views of what is right or wrong change throughout the novel? Be sure to include both workplace ethics and romantic ethics in your discussion.

In what way is this novel an adult initiation or coming-of-age novel? How does Don grow up during the novel? Explain Don’s journey to adulthood.