Essay Questions

Is advantage emerging as one of the main themes in the ‘Latecomer’ by Jean Haff Korelitz?

Most of the novel focuses on the privileged life of the white people in England. The equation of a privileged life with fun is one of the author's key mistakes. For instance, the author emphasizes the Oppenheimer triplets' lifestyle, which is boring. The Latecomer is a sister to these triplets, but her lifestyle is different because she does not use her privilege to be judgmental. Consequently, the Latecomer is not troubled by fate or any misfortunes that might accompany her triplet sisters, who are focused on their wealth and privilege.

What is the symbolic connotation of Johanna's fourth child?

Johanna’s fourth child symbolizes solitude and anxiety. Johanna feels that the marriage is insecure because the house is empty after the triplets go to college. Interestingly, Johanna received her babies through the IVF process, and she thinks that if she doesn't get a fourth child, her ability to have more children will be completely sealed. Therefore, the fourth child in this novel is a significant figure despite her taking a completely different character from her triplet sisters.

What is the main conflict in the novel ‘Latecomer?’

The main conflict in the novel is that Harrison, Lewyn, and Sally have no strong bond, and they are doing everything possible to pull away from each other despite triplets sharing the same blood. The love between these triplets is complicated further by the arrival of the fourth child, who has a completely different character. The triplets do not get along with the fourth child because she does not value wealth and privilege, which they adore.