How true is it that "women belong to no caste, no race (p. 32)?"

Were you surprised when Matilda "threw the invitation spitefully on the table (p. 32)?"

Why does the author have it occur to her husband rather than to Matilda to borrow jewelry (p. 33)?

Why does Matilda eventually tell Mme. Forestier the true story of the necklace (p. 37)?

How is it that Pierre and Jean find themselves at the same spot in their nocturnal walks (Ch. 2, p. 63)?

Why does Pierre tell others about Jean's inheritance (Marowsko: Ch. 2, p. 67; the barmaid: Ch. 3, p. 75), when he can't bear to think about it?

Why does Pierre change his mind over night about revealing his suspicions to Jean (Ch. 5, pp. 101-2)?

What does it signify that both Pierre and his father find refuge in boats?

Does the absence of admirable characters affect our evaluation of the novel?

Do you agree with the Introduction (p. 9) that this novel is not an overgrown short story?