42 pages • 1 hour read
The Pillars of the Earth
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Essay Topics
Given his depiction of ungoverned common life under the Anarchy, how would you characterize Follett’s view of political authority?
What character traits does Walerian Bigod share with Prior Philip? What are the differences between their goals?
What are the character traits that make Aliena a better leader than her brother Richard? What stands in her way?
Why does Follett choose to take some character’s perspectives, but not others? Whose perspective would you most like to see represented in the novel?
Which of the characters, if any, have changed their ideas or personality by the end of the book? Describe the change.
What is the place for people like Alfred and Martha—people who may be morally good or bad, but who are neither literate nor extraordinarily talented—in Ken Follett’s world? What role do “untalented” people play?
What distinguishes French architecture from English architecture in the 12th century, and why does French architecture represent an advance?
What are some of the lessons that Prior Philip learns about the politics of the church that run counter to his faith? How does he negotiate the conflict?
What qualities in Remigius and Walerian redeem them by the end of the book? What qualities make William irredeemable?
In your opinion, why does Follett choose to end the story with the assassination by King Henry of Thomas Beckett. What role does this incident play in Philip’s character development?
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By Ken Follett
