Discuss Online

If you've always wanted to participate in a book group, but were nervous or couldn’t make a session -- or, if you just have more to say about The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay -- we invite you to join our online discussions this winter and spring. From the comfort of your own home (or perhaps even your phone during your commute), click on the links below to share your comments, thoughts, agreements, and disagreements with your fellow OBOC readers and participants in our online discussions for each part of the book.

More Discussion Questions

Have you already read the whole book? Feel free to use the discussion questions below to explore your own feelings about the story and themes in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or to facilitate discussion in your book group!

  1. Transformations and alter egos of superheroes during the Golden Age of the Comic Book mesmerized Sam Clay, and like these fictional characters, he also experienced a transformation. What did Sam gain (or lose) in his own transformation? What conclusions can we draw about the meaning of transformation as we seek to find our own place in society?
  2. Josef Kavalier struggled to embrace success in New York, but was also burdened by his family’s difficulties at the hands of the Nazis in Europe. These conflicts both energize and propel him to fame and fortune. If you could have a dialogue with Josef, how might you help him reconcile these conflicts and move forward with his life?
  3. What is your definition of a hero? Has your understanding of heroism changed after reading this story?
  4. What connections can we draw between Sam and Joe’s heroes and their own aspirations? Would you consider Sam and Joe heroes?
  5. What do comic books mean to Joe, Sam and the other teenage artists they represent? Why is this genre so captivating? How did this story affect your opinion of comic books or graphic novels?
  6. The Escapist’s anti-Nazi statements and actions concerned Sam and Joe’s employers and publishers. What are the challenges of balancing social advocacy and private enterprise? Can you think of any issues today which would provide a similar challenge?
  7. This story describes many instances of minority groups being vilified whether for their religious affiliation, sexual orientation, national origin or other characteristics. Why do you think those who are perceived as “different” are so often targeted? What is threatening about the concept of “otherness”?
  8. Why was it so difficult for Sam to accept being gay? Does he come to terms with his sexuality? If the story were set today, would Sam face the same obstacles and discrimination as evident in Post WWII America?
  9. How do the conflicts of WWII affect Sam and Joe’s creative and professional development and their personal friendship and relationships with others? What does being Jewish mean to each of them?
  10. This novel takes us through various New York City neighborhoods, each with their own distinctive heritage and character. Given that Chicago is also known as the city of neighborhoods, how important is your neighborhood’s sense of identity to you and your community?
  11. What is the significance of the golem in this story and why is it so important to preserve this folklore tradition?
  12. Did you find the ending to the story satisfying? If not, how would you like this story to end?

Content last updated: April 30, 2015

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