Two Marriages

About Philip Lopate

Praise

Discussion Guides

1. In the introduction, Gordon informs the reader the purpose of his notebook is to record his marriage because "a good marriage…requires alertness, vigilance." Do you agree with Gordon's assessment of marriage? How does this idea become ironic as you read the novel?

2. Gordon's friend Gabe says, "Stoicism doesn't work because people can't discipline their souls to the extent it requires." Does Gordon ever stray from his Stoicism?

3. Gordon, describes himself as "insecure, timid…overly sensitive and quick to take offense," while calling Rita, "radiant beautiful, kind, affectionate." Were you skeptical about this unlikely pair from the beginning? Did you ever doubt Gordon's romantic summation of their marriage? Find passages that foreshadow the conclusion.

4. After Rita confesses that she is still married to Hector and has three more children in the Phillipines, she continues to say she deceived Gordon for her children. Are you at all sympathetic to Rita? Can you find any redeeming qualities in her character?

5. Gordon writes in his diary that his friend Gabe "disapproves of Rita because he thinks she's not intellectual enough for me." Should two partners have the same interests in order for their relationship to work? Apply your thoughts to Gordon and Rita. Does the ending comment on this question?

6. Examine the subtle references to Eleanor's and Frank's former relationships throughout the text. How does the fact that this is a second marriage for each of them affect their relationship? What role do their past experiences play in the present?

7. Frank's son Theo admits that he is depressed and his "mind is like noodle pudding lately." Why can't Theo focus? Does his depression have any relation to Frank?

8. The couple's longtime friend E.J. observes, "So it isn't boredom…that dries up the sexuality of married couples, it's the panicky fear of closeness." Examine Eleanor's later confession of her infidelity. What is her excuse and how does it relate to E.J.'s theory?

9. The party scene exhibits a cast of memorable and quirky characters. Discuss the different dynamics between the guests. What does this event reveal about Frank and Eleanor?

10. What does Eleanor's final dream symbolize? Do you think they will stay married?

11. Look at the references to setting in each novella. In what ways does Brooklyn shape the plot?

12. Compare the marriage of Gordon and Rita to that of Frank and Eleanor. What lessons can you draw from there marriages? Are these two parables satiric or didactic?