Fair’s Fair “For Book Lovers”

Initial discussion topics

Language

Topic 1

What is the significance of the excessive use of names in Findley’s Pilgrim?

Note the short essay concerning Dora’s name.

Topic 2

Some critics say that the language of Findley’s Pilgrim is boring? Do you agree or disagree? Discuss.

Topic 3

Do definitions of “cure,” “nature,” “schizophrenia,” and so on, as presented in the novel, add or detract from the work?

Literature

Topic 4

It appears that the novel is both a science fiction and towards the end an adventure / action story? Do you agree or disagree? What is the significance of these types (if you agree that these are the two types) and the abrupt switch from one to the other?

Topic 5

How does Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain inform the novel?

Here is a general overview of Mann’s major novel.

Topic 6

Although there is no one answer to this question, do you think Pilgrim dies at the end of the novel, or will he / has he arise / arisen again in another form. What evidence can you give to support your answer?

Topic 7

What function(s) does “silence” perform in the novel?

Note the short essay on this topic.

Literary Characters

Topic 8

What is Lady Quartermaine’s role in the novel, other than as a companion to Pilgrim?

Topic 9

Do characters such as T.B., the nurses, the Wolfman, the doctors, the Dog-Man and others add to or detract from the action of Pilgrim?

Character

Topic 10

In what way(s) is Carl Jung’s wife, Emma, significant to Findley’s Pilgrim?

Here a general overview concerning Emma Jung.

Topic 11

What do we learn about Carl Jung from this novel?

Check these Brief notes concerning Carl Jung’s life and ideas.

Mental Illness

Topic 12

There are a number of different types of schizophrenia. What type(s) does Pilgrim represent, and why would Findley choose this type or type(s)?

Check this web page for a general definition of the various types.

Topic 13

William Styron, the well-known author of Sophie’s Choice and The Confessions of Nat Turner to mention two, wrote an autobiography titled Darkness Visible about his own “descent into madness.” If you have read Darkness Visible what parallels can you draw between Styron’s autobiography and that of Pilgrim’s feelings and actions? What can we learn about depression from these works that can be applied to “real life” situations?

For a general overview of Styron’s life and work, refer to Wikipedia, PBS, and Speakers Worldwide Inc. There are many other online sources for Styron available as well.

History of Medicine

Topic 14

Discuss the History of Medicine as presented in Pilgrim.

Psychology

Topic 15

How would the plot and action in Findley’s Pilgrim change if Findley had chosen Freud as Pilgrim’s psychologist rather than Carl Jung?

You might want to read Brief notes concerning Sigmund Freud’s life and ideas and Brief notes concerning Carl Jung’s life and ideas.

Fine Art

Topic 16

Findley discusses and portrays many areas of Fine Art in the novel. Why does he wish to incorporate so many areas of Art, and why do you think he makes Pilgrim’s occupation that of an Art Historian?

Topic 17

Why does Pilgrim’s escape take place in the room used for music therapy, or does this place of escape have any significance to the overall story?

Topic 18

Why does a major incident take place at the Louvre and not at some other location? Is Findley dealing with any questions concerning Art and Life that haven’t been dealt with before?

General

Topic 19

What did you learn from reading Pilgrim?