10. What is the significance of Ann's urging Smiley to return to the Circus to finish his business? (chapter 17)

[Jen]

10. What is the significance of Ann's urging Smiley to return to the Circus to finish his business? (chapter 17)

[John]

Did Ann have affairs with men who desired to possess her beauty, and realize that something was wrong with Bill because his motivation was different? And if her husband's good friend is betraying him, not for love, or even necessarily lust, what is left for motivation becomes very ugly.

[Jen]

John wrote: "Did Ann have affairs with men who desired to possess her beauty, and realize that something was wrong with Bill because his motivation was different? And if her husband's good friend is betraying h..."

That is an interesting idea. I hadn't thought of that but it is very compelling as an explanation. I suspect that Ann knew something was going on and your explanation makes a lot of sense to me.