BBC Questions for Friday July 23rd On Chesil Beach

1. Why do you think McEwan chose to set On Chesil Beach in 1962?

2. How does McEwan build suspense despite the limited setting and action in the story?

3. Why do you think Florence was "frigid?"

4. What do the flashbacks to Florence and Edward's childhoods reveal about the characters?

5. What details from their courtship were important to understanding their actions?

6. Were you surprised that Florence and Edward divorced?

7. How does this story speak into our modern culture despite being set more than 50 years ago? Is their any continuity in fears and feelings about marriage, sex, and identity?

8. Rate On Chesil Beach on a scale of 1 to 5.