How does Julia idealize Mark and Helen? To what extent is her perception of them reliable? Using textual evidence, examine how her feelings of inadequacy color these perceptions.

Compare and contrast Anita, Julia, and Alma. What are their common characteristics? Explore how they influence each other, using textual evidence.

Julia grew up in a poor, working-class household. How does this background impact the text’s portrayal of upper-middle-class suburban life and class mobility?

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Forgiveness

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Claire Lombardo

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Overview

Get ready to explore Same As It Ever Was and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Same As It Ever Was Summary and Study Guide

Background

Same As It Ever Was Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Lost in the Supermarket”

Part 1, Chapters 1-12

Same As It Ever Was Part 1, Chapters 1-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-24

Same As It Ever Was Part 1, Chapters 13-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Via Chicago”

Part 2 Same As It Ever Was Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “World of Fools”

Part 3 Same As It Ever Was Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Same As It Ever Was Character Analysis

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Themes

Same As It Ever Was Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Same As It Ever Was Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Same As It Ever Was Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Same As It Ever Was Essay Topics

Same As It Ever Was: A Novel

Essay Topics

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