Part One

Well, The Reader definitely took me by surprise. I never expected the “graphic” sexual situation that Mr. Shapiro described to be about a fifteen year old boy and a forty woman. It was very Mrs. Robinson. At first the relationship between Hanna and Michael disguised. I think one of my comments was actually “isn’t this statutory rape or something.” But as the plot progressive, the fondness of which he speaks about Hanna without a single form of regret or shame makes me believe that the relationship was at least semi-legitimate.

Michael confusion between lust and love is immediately addressed in the beginning, when after his first sexual experience his “in love” with the woman that was able to satisfy his fantasies. Then this confusion follows him, as he journeys through a emotionally, and (at one point) abusive relationship, where he succumbs to Hanna every whim, and humbles himself to continue having sex with her. Then when Michael takes authority, and Hanna is more emotionally invested into the relationship, she starts to play games in order to keep her position on “top”. Finally when she sees Michael drifting away, she ends the relationship first in order to end up as “the winner”. Michael ultimately feels enormously guilty, even though Hanna was the one who sabotage the relationship. She refused to let him know anything personal about herself, and refused to ask or answer any questions about her that weren’t strictly about sex or the present.