King Rat | Topics for Discussion & Projects

King Rat Topics for Discussion

What is the Asian concept of "face" and how is it used in the novel?

Is Marlowe's rant against religion just the result of pain and fever or is there a grain of truth to it? Cite factors elsewhere in the novel that show his attitude towards God and the clergy.

Does Marlowe "sell out" to survive as Grey charges? Under such extreme conditions is there an absolute morality for which one ought to die rather than compromise? Argue from the two characters' points of view and include your evaluation.

How is Islam portrayed in the novel?

What do you see as the worst part of POW life at Changi? How is it worse than other aspects?

Why is Sean the lone suicide among the surviving major characters? Why does he find happiness walking, dressed and made up, into the ocean?

Why does the King retreat so completely into...
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