Presumed Innocent

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 10

Part 1, Chapter 11-Part 2, Chapter 20

Part 2, Chapters 21-30

Part 2, Chapter 31-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Analyze Rusty’s relationships with women, including Barbara, Carolyn, and his mother. What role does each woman play in his life? How does Scott Turow use these relationships to develop Rusty’s character?

Each lawyer in Presumed Innocent has a distinct style in the courtroom. Choose two of the lawyers in the novel, Sandy, Jamie, Nico, or Tommy, and analyze their particular courtroom styles in contrast to each other. Consider Rusty’s assessment of the lawyer along with your own.

Rusty’s relationship with his father delves into the ongoing trauma of childhood abuse. How does Rusty’s history affect his present relationships, view of himself, and even his choice of profession?