What do you think of when you think of summer? Vacations? Water? Fun in the sun? Summer flings? If you want to see this all play out in an awesome novel by a renowned author, Goodbye, Columbus might be for you. It's your classic summer romance. It explores the sexual and emotional relationship between Neil Klugman and Brenda Patimkin, from his point of view. In addition to romantic love, the novella explores loving acts, most notably through Neil's relationships with his Aunt Gladys and the young boy in the library whom he protects from discrimination. Will these relationships last after the fires of summer die out, making way for the chilly winds of winter? Will Neil gain a deeper understanding of love? These are some of the questions that propel us through this terribly funny take on relationships.
Questions About Love
- Does Neil love Brenda? Does Brenda love Neil? How do you know? If they love each other, who is more in love?
- Do you see any loving acts in Goodbye Columbus? If so, what are they? If not, what does this say about the novella's characters?
- Do Brenda and her mother love each other? How can you tell? Is there hope for their relationship? Why or why not?
- How would you describe Brenda's relationship with her father?
- Does Neil treat the boy lovingly?
- What, if anything, does Neil learn about love by book's end?
- What or who does Neil love the most? What about Brenda? The other characters?
Chew on This
Brenda's father loves her, but by spoiling her he limits her ability to act and think independently.
Brenda didn't love Neil, but she did want to marry him.
Neil loves Newark more than he loves Brenda.
Brenda loves Neil more than he loves her.
Neil loves Brenda more than she loves him.
Aunt Gladys shows her love through cooking.