Science vs. Religion

The ongoing conflict between science and religion throughout the novel emphasizes the need for compromise between faith and doubt, as well as the dangers of blind faith.

The ideologies of science and religion are clearly personified by the novel’s two main protagonists: Nilanjana and Darryl. Nilanjana is scientist who desires neatness and order in the world. Like any good scientists, she has the tendency to doubt any sort of information that is presented to her and actually test claims for herself rather than accept them because someone else has said them. As a result, she finds she does not lead a completely fulfilling life, as she has difficulty trusting people and opening up to them. Darryl, on the other hand, is a devout follower of the Joyous Congregation, one of Night Vale’s most enthusiastic religious sects. He leads an entirely faith-based existence...