Strangers on a Train Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

Strangers on a Train Topics for Discussion

Describe the 1950s cultural construct of good versus evil. What does good and evil look like? Why is this important given the plot of the novel "Strangers on a Train" by Patricia Highsmith? Do either Guy or Bruno conform to cultural expectations of what good and evil was? Do they conform to modern-day assumptions about good and evil? Why or why not?

Bruno's declaration that anyone can commit a murder in the novel "Strangers on a Train" by Patricia Highsmith is important not only in the novel, but for society. Bruno directs this comment at Guy. Why did Guy not take Bruno seriously at first? Did Guy ever take Bruno seriously? Why did Guy commit a murder? Does this prove that anyone can commit a murder? Why or why not?

It has been posited that the natural state of man is war and violence, and that cultural constructs prevent man...
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