Journey to the End of the Night

The novel tells the story of Bardamu’s journey into the symbolic night. Does he reach this destination? If not, how does he avoid it?

To what extent does Bardamu embody French colonialist attitudes? To what extent does he differ from or reject these attitudes?

How does Bardamu think about himself in terms of social class? To what extent does he reject class hierarchy as yet another empty social construct, and to what extent does he cling to a notion of himself as belonging to an elevated class?

Does Bardamu believe in love? How does he define love, and are there other characters who offer contrasting definitions?

What is the narrative and thematic significance of Robinson’s relationship with Bardamu? Why is it thematically significant that wherever Bardamu goes, Robinson is already there? Does Bardamu succeed in escaping Robinson’s fate in the end?

How does Bardamu react to American culture? How does America serve as a counterpoint to Europe in the novel? What ideas about America are embodied in the character of Lola?

Bardamu thinks of himself as a coward but does not appear to feel guilt or shame at this designation. How does he define cowardice, and what virtues does he (and the novel) associate with it?

Over the course of the novel, Bardamu has relationships with many women. Which woman has the greatest effect on his character? What is the nature of this effect?