Journey to the End of the Night | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Journey to the End of the Night Topics for Discussion

When does Robinson usually appear in the novel? What effect does he often have on Bardamu?

How does this novel challenge our conventional ideas of the 'good' characters and the 'bad' ones, with respect to Robinson and Bardamu?

Discuss the character and symbolism of carnivals in the novel. What role does the carnival play, structurally, to mark transitions of setting or changes in people's behavior?

Is Bardamu's low evaluation of human nature justified? Do people behave differently under some conditions than others?

What attracts Bardamu to the New World and why does he leave disappointed? What is his attitude, in general, toward new places?

Describe Bardamu's experience in Africa and compare it to his voyage to the United States.

What convinces Bardamu to finish his medical degree and how does his new profession change his life?

Why does Madelon shoot Robinson and why does Robinson not try to stop her?