An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

James meant for Cordelia’s gender to be a surprising subversion of expectations when the novel was published in 1972. How might Cordelia’s gender function in the story if the novel was published today?

Several characters describe Mark to Cordelia in the course of her investigation. How do their descriptions of Mark’s personality reflect on their characters versus his? What does this suggest about the role appearance plays in society?

Detectives often follow their own code of conduct and morality in this genre of fiction. Cordelia is no different. She adheres to her code and becomes an arbiter of justice. Describe Cordelia’s code as presented in the novel. Does it bring true justice? Would you make the same choices? Why or why not?