In the Skin of a Lion

Choose three to five significant appearances of water (e.g., the frozen swimming hole, the frozen river, the viaduct, the waterworks, the lake by Anne’s house). Compare and contrast the way they are depicted. Is water violent? Destructive? Healing? Cleansing? How do the characters in these scenes perceive the role of water in their lives?

Compare and contrast Patrick’s relationships with Clara and Alice. How do these two women influence him? How does his character develop as a result of these relationships? You may want to consider conversation versus silence, introversion versus extroversion, and socioeconomic status, among other factors.

Tracing references to skin and animals in the novel (as well as any other images you consider relevant to the question), explain why you think the novel is entitled In the Skin of a Lion.