It becomes clear that Molina is a spy for the warden and is supposed to extract information from Valentin in order to be pardoned. What are Molina’s motivations before moving into the cell with Valentin, and how do they change over the course of the novel? How does Puig hint at this, given that the novel provides little access into Molina’s interiority?’

Who is the “spider woman” referred to in the title? Why might Puig have chosen this title?

Molina tells stories throughout the novel, using movie plots as a form of escapism. How do the movie plots reflect Molina and Valentin’s situation? Discuss at least one movie plot in your analysis.