Down the Drain

Explore how Julia uses her friends to escape her pain, trauma, and disappointment. Cite specific friendships and romantic connections. Consider how these relationships supply the love that Julia isn’t getting at home.

Compare and contrast Julia’s experiences living in New York and Italy. How do each of these settings influence Julia emotionally and psychologically? What does living in each place teach Julia about herself? Cite specific relationships, living situations, and school dynamics.

Analyze the ways Julia’s romantic relationships contribute to her understanding of herself. Consider how individuals including Giovanni, Marcus, Alessandro, Ace, Shane, Rohan, and Andrew treat Julia. Consider how and why Julia responds to her partners. Do these relationships change her, and if so, how?

Explore how Julia’s job as a dominatrix at the Dungeon empowers her. What does the job require of her physically, emotionally, and psychologically? What life skills does the job teach her, and what character traits does the work instill in her?

How do Julia’s closest friendships guide her through difficult periods of her life? Consider the roles that Mia, Rose, Liana, Harmony, Gianna, and others play in Julia’s life. What do these relationships help Julia see about herself as an individual and in relation to others?

Julia starts drinking, using drugs, and partying from a young age. How does her addiction come to control her and dictate her life over time? How does Julia eventually pursue healing and get sober? What events inspire her awakening?

What is the significance of art and creative expression to Julia’s self-discovery journey? Consider the roles that photography, writing, and design play in Julia’s self-understanding. How do these creative pursuits fuel Julia’s healing and personal growth?

Explore the role of loss in Julia’s self-discovery journey. How does losing friends, family members, and homes impact Julia as a child? How does losing romantic partners affect her as an adolescent? How do Katharine’s, Gianna’s, and Harmony’s deaths impact her as an adult?