Contrast Alfonso’s charming public persona with his private volatility. This creates the "gothic" atmosphere of the novel, where the setting (the remote villa) becomes a cage.

Analyze Lucrezia’s perspective as an artist. Her ability to see the "underpainting" of people and situations allows her to recognize the danger she is in long before others do.

Reflect on the ending’s implications for Lucrezia’s legacy—whether she remains a "portrait" or becomes a living woman.

: Use the Women’s Prize for Fiction Guide to find specific discussion questions on violence and gender roles.

: For a quick refresher on plot points, review the Synopsis PDF from JNTUA .