Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Would you trust Zuckerman with your life story? Why or why not?
- How would this story look if it began with "The Fall"? Is there any information in "Paradise Remembered" that we don't get in the other two sections that is necessary to our understanding of the Swede's story?
- What role does New Jersey play in the novel?
- Which character do you identify with most strongly? Least? Why?
- How would the story look from Dawn's perspective? From Merry's?
- Who is Rita Cohen?
- Does this book make you want to read more novels by Philip Roth? Why or why not?
- What is the significance of gloves and the glove making industry to the novel?
- Do you think American Pastoral is relevant to your life today? Why or why not?
- If you could ask Philip Roth a few questions about this book, what would they be?
- What are some perspectives on assimilation presented in the novel?
- What are some of American Pastoral's perspectives on inter-religious marriage? Where do you stand?