Novel: Gone Girl  Question:  Is there some truth to Amy's description of the "dancing monkeys"—her friends' hapless partners who are forced to make sacrifices and perform "sweet" gestures to prove their love? How is this a counterpoint to the "cool girl"?   While in hiding, Amy begins to explore what the "real" Amy likes and dislikes

Novel: Gone Girl 

Question: 

Is there some truth to Amy's description of the "dancing monkeys"—her friends' hapless partners who are forced to make sacrifices and perform "sweet" gestures to prove their love? How is this a counterpoint to the "cool girl"?

While in hiding, Amy begins to explore what the "real" Amy likes and dislikes. Do you think this is a true exploration of her feelings, or is she acting out yet another role? In these passages, what does she mean when she refers to herself as "I" in quotes?

Do Nick and Amy have friends? Consider Nick's assurance that Noelle was deluded in her claims of friendship with Amy, and also the friends described in Amy's journal. How "rea" are these friendships? What do you think friendship means to each of them?

What was the relationship between Amy and Nick's father? Do you think the reader is meant to imagine conversations between the two of them? Why does Nick's father come to Nick and Amy's home?

Amy publicly denounces the local police and criticizes their investigation. Do you think they did a good job of investigating her disappearance? Were there real missteps, or was their failing due to Amy's machinations?

Do you believe Amy truly would have committed suicide? Why does she return?