The Talented Mr. Ripley

Ripley is an amoral murderer and psychopath but many readers find him strangely likeable. Did you and if so, why?

How important do you think Tom’s past is to the character he becomes?

In some ways Tom embodies the whole idea of the American Dream, the idea that America is the place where people can re-invent themselves. But it seems that Tom can only do it by leaving America and going to Europe. Why should that be so?

What do you think Tom most wants – money? admiration? success? acceptance? friendship? love?

Is Tom’s sexuality important in the book?

Is the end of the book satisfying? Why / why not?

Does the novel confuse our sense of right and wrong and might this make it a dangerous book?