Farmer sees the conscious mind of twentieth-century humanity as out of touch with the deepest center of its being and offers passionate love and sex as a remedy. His interest in sexuality, both human and alien, is sure to provoke controversy, as his attack on patriarchal religions for their tendency towards puritanism and social tyranny.

Moreover, Farmer's portrait of the "ideal" woman as a lover rather than a mother or person of intellect can lead to discussion of the maturity of Farmer's view of femininity and, indeed, of his celebration of sexuality.

1. Is The Lovers a fair criticism of social conditions in America during the 1950s? What conditions or events in particular may Farmer be reacting against?

2. What connections does the novel make between puritanism, political power, and social tyranny? To what extent can these connections be perceived in America today?

3. How does the Sturch corrupt...