Does It Hurt?

Sawyer acknowledges that Enzo is not the type of man she usually targets, but she proceeds to steal his information anyway. How do Sawyer’s feelings about Enzo in their first meeting inform her feelings for Enzo later in the novel? How does Enzo prove to be different from the other men Sawyer steals from?

Enzo’s research on sharks involves a myriad of symbolism involving the ocean, love, fear, and freedom. Describe how the qualities of the ocean are similar to or different from the qualities of Enzo and Sawyer’s characters. How does this comparison develop over the novel? Use examples from the text.

Enzo’s assault on Sawyer on the Johanna is a difficult scene to interpret because of the dubious consent involved. Does Sawyer’s attraction to Enzo constitute consent in this scene? How does their encounter in the cave pool later in the novel compare to this initial scene?

The “ghosts” in the lighthouse act as a way for Sylvester to dismiss many of Enzo and Sawyer’s concerns. How does Sylvester’s decision to call Kacey a ghost impact his character? What does this decision reveal about Sylvester’s perception of his daughter, and what does it say generally about victims of abuse?

Consider Sylvester’s backstory and the information Carlton provides about his wife and daughters. Is it possible that none of the events of the novel would have occurred if Raven, Kacey, and Trinity had successfully escaped the island? Use evidence from the text to support your predictions.

Why does Carlton include graphic depictions of Sylvester’s torture of Kacey, such as sewing her mouth? How do they inform a reading of the text, and what symbolic value do they have when analyzing Sawyer’s trauma?

Sawyer feels guilty about stealing Trinity’s identity at the end of the novel, as she feels she is disrespecting Trinity’s life. How might Sawyer taking Trinity’s name be seen as an act of redemption for both Sawyer and Trinity? Is pretending to be Trinity or changing her name back to Sawyer her final act of identity theft? Why or why not?

At the end of the novel, Sawyer and Enzo live together happily; however, they still have a tempestuous relationship, with Enzo exhibiting violent jealousy toward Troy. Consider the evidence that they will have a happy relationship and that they won’t. Which seems more likely, and why? Keep in mind Sawyer’s controversial description of love later in the novel and how this might develop as she continues to recover from her trauma.