Good Husband

1. Magda says of William Blake and his wife, Catherine: "She was his mate, but she was not his match." In light of this quote, discuss the meaning of the title The Good Husband. What other meanings does the title suggest?2. Laurence tells Hugo, "We can't be free until we tell our story." How is self-censorship a common problem of the characters in The Good Husband? What holds them back from being perfectly honest with one another, and with themselves? How do they triumph over their self-censoring impulses, or do they?3. By the end of the novel, Alice has taken Elberta under her wing. How does Elberta become like a surrogate child to Alice? How do she, Alice, and Francis begin to comprise a makeshift family? What does Elberta admire about both of them?4. Cal accuses his father of "making people into what you've decided who they are, like characters in your novels." Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Who in The Good Husband is guilty of this trait? Does it prevent them from acknowledging the realities of life, or serve as a coping technique?5. How does Magda's statement about mates and matches apply to her marriage to Francis? Does it pertain also to the partnership between Hugo and Alice? In your view, what are the biggest challenges faced by each couple?6. The Good Husband pivots on two very different marriages. What, in your opinion, could each partnership learn from the other? What lessons, if any, has Hugo learned from his first marriage?7. As she becomes more and more ill, Magda grows increasingly fascinated by her impending demise. How does she become more comfortable with the concept of death by equating it with literature and her academic life? Does this allow her to understand the coming "final examination," or does it instead remove her farther from it? In your opinion, what does she most want to understand about herself--and those around her--before she dies?8. When Alice begins to visit Magda, she slowly starts to work her way out of depression. Why do you think that Magda has that effect on her? In turn, what about Alice so appeals to the dying woman? What similarities, if any, do the two women share?9. Francis chooses to live his life for others. How has this pattern evolved throughout his life? What characteristics of his personality compel him to service? How is he different from Magda in that regard? What aspects of his personality cause Alice to fall in love with him?10. In which ways is Magda mean-spirited toward Francis? In your opinion, does she take joking too far? Does she deliberately taunt him? How does he respond to her verbal sparring?11. Francis is the object of affection for several women in the novel. What about him so intrigues the opposite sex? Why isn't he threatening to the men around him? Do you think that he will marry again?12. The death of Hugo and Alice's child devastates both of them. What are the different ways in which they deal with grief? Does Alice's experience with death make her more resilient than Hugo or less so?13. When she marries Hugo, Alice is a successful editor. What about her personality compels her to give up a burgeoning career without a second thought? Why does Hugo's writing appeal to both her mind and her heart? Do you think she will remain Hugo's "best reader"?14. At the outset, what compelled Alice to choose home birth for her son? How does that decision relate to the sudden loss of her family? How does their sudden death haunt her throughout the book? In particular, how is Alice consumed by her relationship with her brother?15. Magda and Hugo both explode with outbursts throughout the novel. How do these fits of temper enable them to cope with theirGodwin, Gail is the author of 'Good Husband' with ISBN 9780345396457 and ISBN 0345396456.