Nights at the Circus | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Nights at the Circus Topics for Discussion

Explore the relationships that the females in the novel have with Walser and their feelings toward him. He is outwardly attractive, which is noted by men and women alike, even when he is hidden under a clown's mask. Compare these issues with his struggle to find feelings within himself.

Review the plight of the animals. Animals are given both human and supernatural characteristics. How is this significant? How do their hardships and pain parallel that of the human characters? Are they capable of finding happiness?

The feminist movement and women's rights are extremely prominent. Discuss each of the female characters and what they represent as women. Are the characters illustrations of the progress of the movement or the limitations that the movement fights against?

Identify and outline Walser and Fevvers' character development. What does each of their characters lose and/or gain? How do these changes affect the characters around them?