Venus in Furs

Venus is often depicted through art in the novella, such as Titian’s painting, Severin’s painting with Wanda, and multiple statues of Venus. What is the significance of these depictions? How do statues and paintings differ in the way they portray Venus as an entity?

Both Severin and Wanda are obsessed with Greco-Roman ideologies and lifestyles, focusing on the ways in which gods and goddesses interact with mortals. How do their views of Greco-Roman ideology influence their own behavior? How do these view compare or contrast with Christian moral conceptions in the novella?

Health resorts in mountainous areas are a common vacation destination in Europe, and they appear frequently in European literature. What is the significance of this setting for Severin’s relationship with Wanda? How might Severin and Wanda’s relationship be interpreted through the lens of “health” or “well-being?”

The text contains many problematic references to people of color, women, and people of various faiths. Specifically, Haydee is seemingly included in the novel because of the association with people with dark skin and “evil.” What is Haydee’s significance in Wanda and Severin’s relationship? How do Wanda and Severin view Haydee, and what can we tell about Haydee’s view of them?

The German painter is only present for a brief time, but he moves into Wanda’s villa while painting Severin and Wanda. What is his role and significance in the text? How does his presence help to illuminate aspects of Severin and Wanda’s dynamic?

How does the novella explore and problematize traditional notions of masculinity and femininity? How do various characters conform to, or subvert, traditional gender roles?

The novella explores the complex relationship between dreams and reality, fantasy and lived experience. How do Severin and the other characters negotiate the gaps between their ideals or fantasies and their realities?

Analyze Wanda’s role and characterization in the novel. How is she characterized? How does her own self-presentation through her speech and actions conform to, or conflict with, Severin’s own views of her?