1. How do Austin Fraser's Erasure paintings echo the narrative of The Underpainter?

2. Austin Fraser says that, for the sake of his painting, he "trespasses everywhere and I thieved constantly." The most obvious example of this is his relationship with Sarah, his model and mistress. Do you think that Sarah understands that Austin is "mining" their relationship in order to perfect his paintings of her? If so, why do you suppose she continues to pose for him? Who else does Austin "thieve" from?

3. Is there any character in the novel that does not allow Austin to exploit their relationship?

4. Are there any similarities between Sarah's father and Austin's mother? How is Sarah's relationship with her father similar— or different—from Austin's relationship with his mother?

5. Why does Augusta need to tell Austin her life's story? Do you think that the fact that Augusta offered him her story, rather than him having to "thieve" it from her, changed the value of it in Austin's eyes? Was this a turning point for him? Austin is intensely interested in Augusta's story—a woman whom he barely knew, yet, other than learning about Sarah's father, he shows absolutely no interest in learning the details of Sarah's life. Why is this so?

6. What is the significance of Augusta's "lost girl in the woods" dream sequence? Are there other examples of characters disappearing, or feeling like they are lost in The Underpainter? Is this a theme that surrounds only the female characters? If so, why?

7. Think about the topography of the places that are important parts of Austin's life: Rochester, Davenport, and Silver Islet, Canada. How do these landscapes mimic Austin's inner self? Why does he choose to paint the cold, rocky landscapes of the north?

8. Compare Austin's minimalist paintings with George's narrative china painting. How are their respective choices of painting styles reflected in how they live their lives? Is it surprising that these two men remained such good friends for so long? What common bond do you think they shared? Consider Austin's friendship with Rockwell Kent. How is it different from his friendship with George?

9. Compare George's occupation, china-painting, to the war. Could he have ever returned to painting idyllic narrative scenes after experiencing the chaos of battle? What is the significance of the shattered pieces of china found throughout The Underpainter? How is George's response to the broken china different from Austin's response?

10. Do you think that the fate of Augusta and George would have been as tragic if they had not been involved in the war? Was George damaged more by the war than he was by Vivian's rejection?

11. Do you think that George's art is inferior to Austin's art? Why is Austin so profoundly affected by Rockwell's criticism of his paintings of Sarah? Is his criticism valid?

12. A very powerful scene in The Underpainter is the one in which Austin waits for Sarah at the hotel. For days, he continually visualizes himself finally opening up to her, finally giving—and receiving—love. In the end, though, he leaves before Sarah even arrives. Did you know that Austin would reject this opportunity to regain his humanity?

13. It has often been said that the essence of art lies in the way an artist lives, rather than in the way an artist paints. Is this true of Austin after the death of Augusta and George? What about at the end of The Underpainter?