75 pages • 2 hours read
Big Little Lies
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and death.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How did you feel about Moriarty’s choice to reveal that someone died at trivia night in the very first chapter? Did this enhance or detract from your reading experience? How does this compare to other mystery novels that employ similar techniques, such as Donna Tartt’s The Secret History?
2. The novel balances serious topics like domestic violence with moments of humor and lightness. How effective did you find this combination? What purpose do you think this contrast serves?
3. What were your initial impressions of the three main characters—Madeline, Jane, and Celeste? How did those impressions change as their stories unfolded?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. The novel explores how communities can both support and damage individuals. How does this reflect your own experiences with community dynamics?
2. Throughout the story, characters struggle with keeping secrets versus sharing their truth. Have you ever faced a similar dilemma about whether to keep or reveal a difficult truth? How did you navigate the situation?
3. The book shows how past trauma can influence present behavior. How do you think past experiences shape current relationships and decisions?
4. Many characters in the novel judge others based on appearances and assumptions. Can you recall a time when you misjudged someone based on first impressions?
5. How did you relate to the portrayal of parent-child relationships in the novel? Which parent’s struggles or triumphs particularly resonated with you?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to broader societal issues, cultural trends, and ethical dilemmas.
1. How does the novel address the complexities of domestic violence in affluent communities? What does this suggest about society’s assumptions regarding abuse?
2. The story explores various parenting styles (and judgments passed on them) within the school community. What does this reveal about contemporary attitudes toward parenting?
3. How does social class influence the characters’ behaviors and relationships throughout the novel? What commentary does this make about privilege?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and use of narrative techniques.
1. How does Moriarty’s use of multiple perspectives and interview snippets contribute to the story’s development? What does this structure reveal that a single narrative viewpoint couldn’t?
2. Analyze the significance of the school as both setting and symbol. How does it serve as more than just a backdrop for the story?
3. How do the characters’ memories function in the narrative? What role do they play in character development?
4. Consider the weather imagery throughout the novel. How does Moriarty use it to enhance the story’s emotional impact?
5. Examine how the theme of truth versus lies develops throughout the novel. What does the story suggest about the nature of deception?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book’s content and themes.
1. If you were to write an additional chapter set five years after the novel’s conclusion, what do you think would have changed for the surviving characters?
2. If you could design a community program to address the issues raised in the novel, what would it include, and how would you implement it?
Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.
Unlock all 75 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 9,150+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Related Titles
By Liane Moriarty
