Discuss the character of Willie Stark. How does Willie change during the novel? What causes him to change? Is Willie a good governor? Is he a good person?

 

Compare and contrast Sadie Burke and Anne Stanton. Besides some of their obvious differences, do they have any important similarities? What draws each of them to Willie?

 

Think about the idea of responsibility as it develops throughout the novel. How does this idea make itself felt in the lives of characters other than Jack? Does Willie accept responsibility for his actions? Does Adam Stanton?

 

Jack Burden is the most important consciousness in the novel, but Willie instigates most of the novel's action. Who do you think is the novel's protagonist? Is Willie a secondary character in the story of Jack, or vice versa? Or are they equally important?

 

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