Do you enjoy reading "who-done-its" whether they are courtroom thrillers or cozies? Want to discuss these books with other mystery lovers & discover new authors? Join the Mystery Reading Group. This month: Patricia Highsmith's "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

Funded by the Fountain Hills Friends of the Library.

 Discussion Questions:


1. How does the time period effect the way the book was written?

2.How does The Talented Mr. Ripley make a comment on class?

3.In what way does the author explain Tom's development from petty criminal to cold blooded murder?

4.What does Patricia Highsmith want to teach us from Mr. Ripley sustaining a false identity and lying to his friends and to himself?

5.How is The American Dream presented in The Talented Mr Ripley?

6.Why did Mr Ripley deceive others and himself about his identity?

7.When he has dinner with the Greenleafs in New York, Tom promises them he will do everything he can to convince Dickie Greenleaf to return to the U.S. Does Tom keep his promise?

8. What are some of the factors that made Tom's childhood difficult? In your opinion, do they justify Tom's criminal acts as an adult?

9.Is Tom Ripley genuinely interested in other people, or does he just use them?

10.What is Tom Ripley's attitude towards men? Is he sexually attracted to women?

11. How are Dickie Greenleaf and Tom Ripley's relationships with Marge Sherwood different?

12. After Tom kills Freddie Miles and Dickie Greenleaf, is he wracked with guilt and remorse?

13. Why are Dickie Greenleaf's rings so important to Tom? Why does he keep them, even though he knows it is dangerous to have any of Dickie's possessions with him?