Lapvona

Gender dynamics are central to this novel. Compare and contrast how Jude views Agata with how Grigor comes to view Ina. How does the way each man views women influence their character arcs?

While Father Barnabas blames the drought on Satan, the villagers could have survived if they’d had access to the manor’s reservoirs. How does Lapvona explore how religion can be used as a tool of societal control?

Ina represents a supernatural element in the story, living long past a normal lifespan and ultimately reversing in age. While some of the villagers see her as a witch, Grigor sees her as divine. Using evidence from the text, explore three ways in which Moshfegh establishes Ina as supernatural.

How does the change in class status impact Marek after he goes to live at the manor? Does he end the novel any better off than he began it?

There is an ironic disconnect between the violence and tragedy explored in Lapvona and the detached, matter-of-fact tone of the writing. Why do you think Moshfegh wrote Lapvona using straightforward, frank prose?

What character flaws lead to the untimely demise of Lord Villiam and Father Barnabas?

Self-flagellation is key to Jude and Marek’s attempts to connect with the divine. What sorts of religious practices does Lapvona depict? What is their significance in light of the novel’s themes?

The Christ Child becomes the impetus for several characters to change: Villiam and Father Barnabas become anxious, while Marek is inflamed with jealousy. However, the baby is just a baby. What is Moshfegh saying about meaning-making and how it impacts the way we view our world?