logo

58 pages 1 hour read

Shutter Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Teddy and Cawley offer two interpretations of the events that unfold around Teddy Daniels in Shutter Island. Teddy believes he is a U.S. Marshal who is trying to expose the truth about Ashecliffe Hospital. Cawley, on the other hand, believes Teddy is actually Andrew Laeddis, a delusional murderer who went insane after his wife killed his children. Which version of reality seems most likely? Explain. 

2.

Teddy and Cawley’s characters change significantly throughout the novel. By the end of Shutter Island, which man is the novel’s protagonist, if the novel has a protagonist at all? 

3.

How does violence, both past and present, shape the characters of Shutter Island? 

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 58 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,500+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools