Alas, Babylon

How do the events in Fort Repose support Randy’s statements that only the strong will survive? Provide examples and explain.

Choose one character and compare their actions and statements at the beginning of the novel to how they act and think at the end. How have they evolved, and in what ways?

If Alas, Babylon were written today, what American values or traits do you think the hero would display or grow into? How much or how little would the hero be like Randy Bragg?

Does the author end the novel on a pessimistic tone, or with hope for the future? Provide examples to support your argument.

What is the significance of Edgar Quisenberry’s death? In your discussion, compare his way of facing the attacks with that of at least one other character.

What role does darkness play in the novel? What does it signify, and how does it change?

Why do you think the author chose not to include dates for the events in the story? What effect does the lack of dates have on the reading experience?

What does Alice mean when she thinks that it required a holocaust to make her life worth living? How does this message appear throughout the novel?