Metafiction—fiction that somehow comments on the process or act of writing—is a pretty mind-twisting genre. While Gone Girl obviously messes with your head in tons of ways, part of its complexity is that it's a novel about writers. And not just writers left without jobs because of the Big Bad Internets—writers whose entire existences are about reinventing stories and sides of their personalities that are in themselves fictional.
Amy constantly recreates her personality, Nick designs narratives to help him cope with his parents' abusive relationship, and even Amy's parents tell their daughter that she's not meeting their expectations by writing a fictional book series about her. Think creativity is just for writing novels? Think again. And then read Amy's diary.
Questions About Literature and Writing
- What is the significance of writing and literature to Nick and Amy? Why does it play such an important role in this story?
- For years, Amy has lived a double life as her real-life persona and "Amazing Amy" from her parents' book series. How has this affected her?
- Do some research about Mark Twain and Hannibal, Missouri. Why do you think Nick feels drawn to him as a writer?
- How do characters in the book use writing as a tool for revenge and aggression?