The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Armansky believes that Salander seems predestined for victimization when he describes her as “the perfect victim” (60). In contrast, Salander does not seek help from a woman’s crisis center because “she had never regarded herself as a victim” (259). How do each of these characters define “victim”? What is the significance of Salander’s decision to not turn to a crisis center or regard herself as a victim?

Blomkvist has sexual relationships with three of the main female characters in the novel, and he is truthful with his partners about his open relationship with Erika Berger. How does the novel describe the nature of his relationship with Berger? What does their relationship reveal about his character? Is he responsible for disappointing his lovers and/or his ex-wife?

At the end of the novel, Blomkvist visits his daughter, Pernilla, and the narrator states, “He was not a good father” (635). How is Blomkvist not a good father? How does he compare to other fathers and father figures in the novel? By extension, what do these representations of fathers say about family?

Blomkvist blurs the boundaries of his moral code and feels corrupt when he covers up the Vanger murders. However, he is less bothered when he uses Salander’s illegal hacking to defeat Wennerström. What is Blomkvist’s moral code, and how does he negotiate the ethical compromises he makes?

Salander is conscious of how others perceive her based on her appearance and social constructions of gender. What do her piercings, tattoos, and punk attire signify to her? What do they signify to others? Likewise, what does it signify when Salander strategically codes herself in more conventionally “feminine” disguises as Monica Sholes and Irene Nesser?

What is the difference between revenge and justice? How do institutions like social welfare and the criminal legal system fail Salander? Does Salander’s form of revenge on Bjurman and Wennerström balance the scales? What are the ethical consequences? How does her treatment of Wennerström differ from Blomkvist’s?

What is the significance of the setting in the fictional small town of Hedestad and the even more isolated island of Hedeby? What are Blomkvist’s impressions of the town at the beginning and end of the novel? What does the setting reveal about the Vangers and the themes of tradition, secrecy, and false appearances?

Blomkvist believes that Martin’s and Gottfried’s abusive upbringing plays a role in how they developed as adults, whereas Salander believes that there is no excuse for their violence against women, and they acted willingly. How does the novel represent childhood? How are characters shaped by their experiences of violence as children and adolescents? How does Salander’s upbringing play a role in her vigilance against violence?