The Secret Chord

Content Warning: The book depicts multiple instances of rape including graphic accounts of nonconsensual sex and humiliation. The following section refers to one or more of those instances.

Geraldine Brooks offers both support and skepticism in regard to those who appeal to necessity to justify violence and deception. Analyze the nuances of her view of this problem. Are there limits to what kinds of actions “necessity” can justify? How much does the end goal matter in deciding what action can be justifiable?

Brooks creates a picture of a very patriarchal society. How is that patriarchy reinforced? Are there ways in which it is challenged? Is her portrayal tied to this particular historical setting or does she believe it is a more universal problem?

Multiple characters such as David and Yoav make public shows of repentance. Pick two such instances and analyze them. How does Brooks use them to explore the theme of The Patriarchal Abuse of Power or to develop her characters?