logo

46 pages 1 hour read

Russell Banks

The Sweet Hereafter

Russell BanksFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

How does each character use their chapter as a chance to explain and rationalize their behavior? How does the fact that each narrator is looking back on past events complicate their act of giving a “true” account of what occurred?

2.

Was Nichole’s decision to lie about the accident “just”? Why or why not?

3.

What role do secrets play in these characters’ lives? In particular, how do secrets—such as the sexual abuse of Nichole by her father and the affair between Ansel and Risa—complicate the idea of personal responsibility, motivation, empathy, and judgment?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 46 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools