The Marriage Portrait

To what extent does O’Farrell present a consistent picture of what life was like for women in Renaissance Italy? How does she account for the variations in women’s degrees of freedom and mobility?

What role do romance and sentimental attachments between men and women play in the novel? To what extent do these inform Lucrezia’s actions?

Discuss the symbolism of Lucrezia’s marriage portrait. What impact does the execution of this work have on her life?

Discuss O’Farrell’s depiction of Lucrezia as an artist. What impact does her artistic production and virtuosity have on her story, from childhood to her eventual escape with Jacopo?

Discuss the duality of Alfonso’s character. What are the motivating forces behind his disparate actions?

Discuss O’Farrell’s depictions of animal life and imagery throughout the novel. How do these inform the main narrative? 

How does O’Farrell treat the theme of Female Autonomy and Institutional Control? Compare and contrast Eleanora, Lucrezia, and Elisabetta in your answer.

What role does Emilia play in the narrative? To what extent does O’Farrell develop this character, and to what extent does she remain a stock figure?