The Man Who Was Thursday

What is the meaning of the book’s title? Is Syme’s identity more important than the other characters? How does it relate to the overall theme of the book?

To enter the anarchist meeting chamber, Gregory gives the password, “Mr. Joseph Chamberlain.” Who is he and how is he associated with the anarchist philosophy?

How do the more comic elements of the text inform or color the larger plot?

Do you view Syme’s “choice” of becoming a policeman as more predetermined or truly of his own volition?

Rosamond Gregory is the only female character in the book. What is her role in the narrative?

Technology plays a large role in the narrative. In your opinion, does Chesterton view items like cars, trains, and more far-fetched technology, such as the bar table, as more positive or negative for society? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

During the chase through London, Sunday tosses pieces of paper to the detectives. The messages seem unrelated to the story. Why do you think Chesterton added them to the plot? What do you think they represent?

In Chapter 4, the policeman tells Syme that “the dangerous criminal is the educated criminal.” Do you agree with him? Why or why not?