Bait, A Novel : Discussion Questions for Queer Folk

Bait Discussion Questions for Queer Folk

Jax and her brother Danny come from opposite ends of the spectrum. What have been contributing factors to them drifting apart? What is it that’s kept them close?
Despite her differences with her family’s religious expression, Jax maintains that she still has a spiritual connection. What forms does this connection take? How does she put her scripture-based upbringing to use in her secular life? Does this help her, or hinder her?
Should Jax have gone to Sunday dinner with her family? Would you, if you were in her shoes? Should she have gone back? Would you have? Are the threats and judgment she’s subjected to, worth the trouble? What does she get in return for her visits?
Lillian is a regular presence in Jax’es life, but she won’t commit. Why is that? What do you think is really her reason? Do you think it’s a good idea for Jax and Lill to move in together?
Jax keeps her city life and her family life strictly separated. Is this a good idea? What are some of the benefits? What are some of the drawbacks? Would it help, do you think, if she integrated the two aspects of her life? Would that even be possible?
Jenn says she’s one thing, but she acts and talks like something else, depending whom she’s with. Is she really what she says she is? Does she really want, what she says she does? Is she lying? Is she misrepresenting herself? Does she have some ulterior motive? Is she a "hasbian" or is there more going on there?
Danny says he loves his sister, Jax, but do his actions show it? Are Danny and Jenn up to something sinister? Or are they just trying to help?
In Jax’es shoes, what would you do with Jenn? With Danny? With the rest of the Madigan clan?
Jax is pushing 40, and so is Danny, and so is Jenn. What kinds of pressures does this put them all under? Are they under the same kinds of pressure? How are they similar, or different? How do Jax’es pressures differ from Danny’s? How are they the same as Jenn’s? Are Danny and Jenn under the same sorts of pressure?
How does the final collision between sister and brother and the woman they both want, alter the brother-sister bond? Is it for the best? For the worst? What are the draw-backs and benefits, to how things turn out in the end? Is this a satisfying ending? How would you want it to turn out?
At the winter cabin, Jax finds out new information on her mother’s outlook on life. Would her mother reveal this to anyone aside from Jax? Do you think there’s more to Mom than meets the eye?
Jax dwells at length on her brother Danny’s limitations as a husband and as a man, and she compares herself favorably to him, vis-à-vis making love to Jenn. Do you think her comparison is justified? Would she make the same comparison, if Danny were not her brother? What are the roots of her frustration? Do you think Danny contributes to her frustration? Do you think Jenn feeds the fire intentionally?
What is it that Jenn wants from Danny? From Jax? From the rest of the family? Why do you think she focuses so intently on Jax? Would you trust her, if you were in Jax’es shoes? Would you play along?
What do you think will become of Jax? Of Lillian? Of Danny? Of Jenn? Do you think they will all be able to "stay the course" that they’ve chosen for themselves?

Print this Page | Tell A Friend About Bait

Welcome!