The Prince of Tides: Summary

The Prince of Tides is a novel by Pat Conroy which tells the story of Tom Wingo, a middle-aged man from South Carolina. The novel explores many themes and issues including family, love, loss, secrets, memory, and identity. At its core, The Prince of Tides is a story about a family's struggles with their past. Tom Wingo's family has been dealing with tragedy for generations, and this affects all members of the family in different ways. Tom eventually realizes that he must confront his family's past if he ever hopes to move forward. The novel also deals with the issue of identity. Tom Wingo often feels like an outsider in his own life due to his traumatic childhood experiences and his feeling of not belonging anywhere. As he gets older, he struggles to define who he is and what he wants out of life. Love is another major theme in The Prince of Tides. Tom's love for his family is strong despite the fact that they are riddled with secrets and pain. He also falls in love with Dr. Susan Lowenstein, who helps him confront his past and ultimately helps him to find peace within himself. The Prince of Tides is a powerful story about a family coming to terms with their past and finding healing through love and truth.

1. What is the significance of the title, The Prince of Tides?
2. How does Tom Wingo's past shape his present life?
3. How does Lowenstein's professional approach help Tom confront his family secrets?
4. What impact does Savannah have on Tom's life and journey?
5. What themes are explored in The Prince of Tides?
6. What role does gender play in the story?
7. How did you feel about the portrayal of mental illness in the novel?
8. How do Tom's relationships with his siblings reflect his own personal struggles?
9. What is the significance of the novel's ending?
10. How does Pat Conroy explore themes of family and identity in The Prince of Tides?

• The Prince of Tides is a powerful story that delves into the complexities of familial relationships.
• The novel's complex characters and emotionally charged plot make it a compelling read.
• Although Tom Wingo's journey of self-discovery is painful, it is ultimately uplifting and inspiring.
• The Prince of Tides makes readers question their own understanding of love and loyalty.
• The book is an exploration of how the past affects our present lives and our future decisions.
• Pat Conroy's vivid writing style captures the beauty and tragedy of life in the South with remarkable grace.
• The Prince of Tides paints an unforgettable portrait of a family struggling to overcome its traumatic history.
• Conroy does an excellent job showing how even small moments can have lasting consequences for generations to come.
• The Prince of Tides teaches us that no matter what we go through, we can still find hope in the future.
• This book is a must-read for any literature enthusiast looking to explore themes of family, healing, and redemption.

1. "The tide rises, the tide falls."
2. "Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love you will find that you are left holding only yourself."
3. "Life doesn't give you all the pieces. You have to find some of them on your own."
4. "If I cannot be strong enough to follow my own advice, then at least I can be strong enough to give it."
5. "It is better to be a broken heart than never to have loved at all."

TV: The Prince of Tides (1991) - TV movie starring Nick Nolte, Blythe Danner, and Barbra Streisand. Film: The Prince of Tides (1991) - feature film starring Nick Nolte, Blythe Danner, and Barbra Streisand. Radio: The Prince of Tides (2011) - radio adaptation produced by New York Public Radio and featuring a full cast of actors. Podcast: The Prince of Tides (2017) - podcast adaptation produced by Audible and featuring a full cast of actors. Theatrical: The Prince of Tides (2015) - theatrical adaptation produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in London's West End.

• The Great Santini
• The Lords of Discipline
• The Boo
• The Water is Wide
• Beach Music
• My Losing Season
• South of Broad
• The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life