In what ways does shooting George the Waiter change the course of Nick’s life?

How does the structure of the novel affect the portrayal of Nick’s malaise?

Klara changes her name twice over the course of her life. What do these changes signify?

Don DeLillo

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Underworld reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Underworld

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Overview

Get ready to explore Underworld and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Underworld Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Underworld Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: "Long Tall Sally: Spring-Summer 1992”

Prologue-Interlude 1

Underworld Prologue-Interlude 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: "Elegy for Left Hand Alone: Mid-1980s-Early 1990s”

Part 2 Underworld Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Cloud of Unknowing: Spring 1978”

Part 3-Interlude 2

Underworld Part 3-Interlude 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Cocksucker Blues: Summer 1974”

Part 4 Underworld Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Better Things for Better Living Through Chemistry: Selected Fragments Public and Private in the 1950s and 1960s”

Part 5-Interlude 3

Underworld Part 5-Interlude 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Arrangement in Gray and Black: Fall 1951-1952”

Part 6-Epilogue

Underworld Part 6-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Underworld Character Analysis

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Themes

Underworld Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Underworld Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Underworld Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Essay Topics

Underworld Essay Topics