OUT Discussion Questions Part II

1) As Masako and Yoshie descend into a life of crime, they discuss how similar their job at the bento factory is to their job of dismembering bodies. What specific aspects of their factory job prepared them for this horrible job?

2) Discuss Satake--what leads him to kill? What beliefs and values in the culture has he internalized that (arguably) lead him, in part, to committing his crimes?

3) One of the things Kirino does really well is create sympathy for characters who are often demonized, including killers and stalkers. She also does an excellent job of showing how socio-political conditions are directly tied to criminal activity. In what ways does she create sympathy for Kazuo and Satake? Do you find this problematic in any way?

4) What is your ultimate interpretation of the title of the novel? What does it symbolize? (There are multiple ways of looking at it; please consider at least two).

5) How do you feel about the women's crimes? Discuss Yayoi's murder of her husband, the cover-up, and Masako & Co's disposal of the body and business plans thereafter (perhaps you feel differently about each of these things). Consider Kazue and Satake. What do you think Kirino is attempting to reveal about these types of criminal activities and their causes?

6) What is the true horror at the heart of the novel?

7) How is capitalism linked to objectification?

8) Discuss the similarities between 1980s Wall Street and Masako's job in finance. Why is one perceived as more prestigious and respectable than the other?

9) How does Kirino explore racism and xenophobia in OUT? How does she tie it to economic conditions and class?

10) Did you have trouble sympathizing with any of the main four women at certain points in time? Why or why not?

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