A challenging and playful novel that can be read on many levels, Nights at the Circus encourages readers to re-evaluate many long-held ideas and beliefs, and will give rise to lively discussion.
1. Why do you think that the action of this novel plays out in these three different geographical settings?
2. Locate some scenes where the Romance genre is being parodied or otherwise undermined. Why and how does Angela Carter reject the "boy meets girl, boy rescues girl, boy marries girl" plot line?
3. Among the many undercurrents in Nights at the Circus is a Marxist critique of class and "progress." Would you agree with Lizzie that the Western capitalist system is fatally flawed? Is a bright new future awaiting the Siberian nomads?
4. Consider Fewers' encounter with the Grand Duke.....
This is a free excerpt of 135 words. This section contains 405 words. This
study guide contains 27,058 words (approx. 90 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our Nights at the Circus Access Pass.
