Book Club Discussion Questions for Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

Book Club Discussion Questions

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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. At the start of the novel, Clytemnestra intervenes in a fight involving her sister, Helen. When told that she must let people win their own battles, she thinks to herself, "What if the loser is your loved one?" How does this mentality guide Clytemnestra throughout her life?
2. Clytemnestra and the rest of the girls in Sparta are trained to fight as children. How does this warrior mentality guide her throughout the novel? How does this set her apart from other heroines you have read before?
3. The murder of Clytemnestra's first husband, Tantalus, and her baby is not told from the perspective of Clytemnestra herself. How did you read this change in perspective? What did it add to the narrative?
4. Clytemnestra and Helen's relationship is tested many times, yet there is always love between them. How might you describe the evolution of their relationship? How does the theme of forgiveness play a role between the two?
5. Describe Clytemnestra's relationship with her father. How did his betrayal make you feel, and how does it shape Clytemnestra?
6. The story of Clytemnestra and her family is foreshadowed by an inescapable prophecy. Did the priestess's vision play out the way you though it would? What roles did prophecies and religion have in this world?
7. This story does not have obvious good characters and bad characters; all of them make decisions that are morally questionable. Were there specific moments that made you think differently about any of the characters? Were there some you found unforgiveable?
8. Why do you think Odysseus allowed for Clytemnestra's daughter to be sacrificed?
9. How did you feel about Clytemnestra's final act against Agamemnon? In the end, were her actions warranted? Who do you believe is ultimately to blame?
10. Vengeance is a common theme that courses throughout the story. How does vengeance play a role in all the characters' lives, especially Clytemnestra's?
11. Clytemnestra has been portrayed by history as an evil queen. How does the author question that role? Do you think Clytemnestra is truly evil?
12. Are you familiar with any of the myths that are presented in this novel? Were they told differently than you remember?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Sourcebooks Landmark. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.