Gerald's Game

The novel includes several flashbacks and memory sequences. What is the effect of presenting past events? Is there a connection between the remembered events of Jessie’s childhood and her experiences as an adult, particularly the experiences she undergoes while handcuffed to the bed for part of the story?

At the bare minimum, Prince stands as an expression of the survival instinct. How might Prince also be used to represent male sexual desire, and how can that representation be reconciled with the idea of the survival instinct? Analyze at least three separate instances in which Prince represents intangible concepts beyond his literal actions in the novel.

Jessie resists the urge to confront her memories, which is largely presented by Ruth’s voice. Why might someone need a separate “voice” to press them toward that confrontation? Why is Ruth Neary the voice that Jessie chooses to help her confront her trauma?

Goody’s voice is the most infuriating for Jessie, but Jessie notes that Goody has been helpful for her in the past. How is Goody helpful for Jessie, and when? What is the source of Goody’s advice and perspective on Jessie’s life?

Jessie initially wants to take blame and receive punishment for what she believes was her role in her own abuse. Why does she want to take that blame instead of placing it on Tom, the actual perpetrator? How does Tom manipulate Jessie into accepting that guilt?

When Jessie finally escapes the handcuffs, she is in considerable pain. When she obtains water, she compares it to her first orgasm. What is the significance of linking a major sexual event with her survival? Why does Jessie scream victoriously when she escapes, even though it hurts her, and how does this link to the concept of sexuality?

Joubert is in the room with Jessie on her first night in the lake house, but he does not do anything to her, nor does he help her. Why does Joubert take a passive role in Jessie’s predicament? Why does he neither help nor harm her, and how does his backstory support his actions?

Jessie and Brandon have a generally healthy friendship that may develop into a romantic one. Why does King avoid developing Jessie and Brandon’s relationship further in the novel, and what aspects of Brandon’s personality signal a potential repetition of the issues that Jessie has encountered with men in the past?