Questions for Discussion

1. Throughout his essay James uses the term "lady" to refer to single women. How do you interpret his use

of this term? How do you respond when he subsequently switches to a phrase like "your grown behind"?

What response do you think James hoped to elicit from his readers to such phrases?

2. Early in his essay James asserts, "When a woman says that she wants a man to be generous, she is typi-

cally referring to the dating process-she wants gifts, and she wants to be courted in a lavish manner"

(par. 4). What support does he offer for this assertion? Do you think this is a valid generalization about

women? Is James trying to be provocative with this assertion? If so, what does he gain by doing so?

3. How would you describe the tone of this essay? Do you think the tone makes the argument more or less

effective? Explain, citing specific passages in the essay to support your answer.

4. James anticipates the argument that women behave the way he describes only in his own social circle

(see par. 21). How well does he respond to this argument with his counterargument?

5. James sometimes addresses his readers directly. For example, in paragraph 14 he writes, "Be offended,

but if you are selling your conversation and/or company for the price of a drink, this is what it amounts

to." And in paragraph 19 he asks, "Quick-what would YOU do?" Do you think he is primarily addressing

men or women in these passages? How effective is this strategy in helping him make his argument?

6. In paragraphs 10-13, James uses his own dating experience to support his assertions about women. How

effective do you think this example is? How well does it support James's point? How did you respond to

this example? What counterargument might you offer to this example?