Discussion Topic
Overview of Olive Kitteridge's character and the novel
Summary:
Olive Kitteridge is a retired school teacher living in a small town in Maine. The novel, Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout, portrays her as a complex, often abrasive woman who deeply affects those around her. Through interconnected short stories, the book explores themes of aging, relationships, and the human condition, providing a nuanced look at Olive's life and her impact on her community.
Can you provide a brief introduction to the novel "Olive Kitteridge"?
Olive Kitteridge is a collection of thirteen short stories that are all tied together by one character and one setting. The character, of course, is Olive. The setting is Maine. In fact, the main character has many roles throughout the book. In each chapter, Olive fulfills a different role (sometimes a fairly minor one) and, as a result, this "novel" can be considered truly "episodic."
Some of the interesting character traits that Olive Kitteridge has should strike the reader. Olive is not truly likeable, but she also isn't the enemy. She is clumsy and not very attractive. And yet, Stout won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction due to the very believable character of Olive. In fact, Elizabeth Stout has a varied background that allows her such intimate glimpses into real life.
She practiced law briefly, but found she did not enjoy it. In addition to the law, Strout has also...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
worked cleaning houses, as a secretary, cocktail waitress, and artist's model. She has served as a project worker on elderly abuse, and worked for Legal Services in Syracuse, New York.
All of these experiences allowed Stout to portray the incredibly realistic character of Olive as she travels throughout her life all the way into the final years. This novel (as a collection) is literally the story of Olive's life: her journey.
The thirteen short stories are as follows: "Pharmacy""Incoming Tide""The Piano Player""A Little Burst""Starving""A Different Road""Winter Concert""Tulips""Basket of Trips""Ship in a Bottle""Security""Criminal" and "River."