Analyze Tom’s impression of and reaction to the character of Marge. What does he think of her, and why does he take this perspective on Marge?

Early on in the novel, Herbert asks Tom if he has ever read The Ambassadors, by Henry James. Discuss Highsmith’s use of this reference. How does it connect to the novel, and how might it deepen the meaning of the text to draw comparisons between the two novels?

Analyze Highsmith’s use of water as a motif in the novel and identify potential motivations for using this symbolic element in the text.