How would you describe the tone and feeling of the first story "The Shawl"? How is it different from the later story "Rosa"? Why did Ozick create this difference?
Why do you think that Ozick chose to include such a small segment of story representing the Holocaust experience compared to a much longer, drawn out version of Rosa's life in Florida? How does the form here mirror the content?
What gaps are there in the story, in Rosa's memory, in the differing versions of stories told by different characters? Why is this important to the book? Also, think about some of the contradictions in this book, things that just don't make sense to you as a reader? What makes sense to Rosa? Again, why are these contradictions important?
Is Rosa crazy? Why does she smash up her successful store and relegate herself to a life of squalor in Florida? What does Ozick want readers to learn or to think about from Rosa's story? Is this a story of survival and triumph or is this a story of oppression?
What is the significance of Dr. Tree and his study? Why does Rosa reject his version of reality? What does she object to? Can you make any connections between her attitude toward Tree and her attitude toward Stella?
Why does Rosa refuse to admit that Magda is dead? Explore the many possibilities here.
What role does Mr. Persky play in the story and in Rosa's life? Is the ending a positive, hopeful, ending? Is Rosa transformed in some way by her interaction with Persky; does she change or have any realizations? What do you imagine happens after the book ends?
What do you think Ozick's intentions are with this book? What does she want us to get out of it?
This is another story about motherhood. Reflect on the way motherhood affects a woman's identity. How is Rosa's survival mitigated by the loss of her daughter/motherhood?
How does this book connect to others we have read about surviving a traumatic experience, especially When the Emperor was Divine and Push?
