The Fury

Who is the hero of this story? Choose one character and argue for their status as a hero. Use textual evidence to support your claim.

Analyze Michaelides’s use of classic murder mystery conventions in the novel. How does he use, or subvert, these conventions to amplify meaning?

Explore Elliot’s use of the Valentine Levy book. How does he use the book during the course of the story, and how does his use of it contribute to a greater understanding of his character?

In the final version of the story, Lana forgives Kate for having an affair with Jason, and together, they turn against Elliot. How does Michaelides build the two women’s relationship so that this decision seems plausible? Use textual evidence to support your claim.

Discuss the structure of The Fury. Why does Michaelides arrange the story in this way? How does this structure deepen the meaning of the text?

How does your understanding of the relationship between Elliot and Lana change over the course of the novel? Do readers ever arrive at a clear understanding of the true nature of their friendship?

In the novel, Michaelides alternately probes the ideas that character determines fate and that fate is beyond human control. Choose one of these concepts and analyze the novel’s exploration of that idea.

What does the character of Nikos add to the novel? What does his presence and character add to the story?