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1
In what light does Herzog view the female sex? In what way do his views change throughout the novel, and in what way do they remain unchanged? Why?
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2
Consider the characters Herzog despises throughout most of the novel. Are they truly hateful to the reader? Why or why not?
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3
What role does the theme of water play in the piece? How does it relate to another dominant theme?
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4
Consider the philosophies and the environments towards which Herzog is drawn. Discuss their similarities and differences.
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5
The narrative alternates three different voices: first person, third person, and epistolary. Does their application seem simply random, or is there some logic to the way they are divided? Why or why not?
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6
Compare Moses' lovers and wives: Daisy, Madeleine, Ramona, and Wanda, with Phoebe, in whom he expresses no interest. What renders Phoebe so unappealing to Herzog? Does Gersbach's involvement play a role? Why or why not?
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7
Does the character of Herzog inspire more sympathy or frustration in the reader? Why? How does this reaction shape the novel as a whole?
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8
Herzog is devastated by Madeleine's infidelity, yet feels no guilt for his multitude of affairs. Analyze this double standard and apply it to his character.
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9
What inspires Moses' guilt as he arrives in Martha's Vineyard? What thirst has his journey allegedly satisfied? What actually feels resolved?
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10
Is Herzog actually as crazy as Madeleine suggests at the end? How trustworthy is the narrative/narrator?