Critical analysis of Night of Light has focused on the character of Father Carmody, the nature and significance of Boontaism, and the novel's network of interrelated images. All of these topics are likely to stimulate group discussions. An essential first step in analyzing this novel is to make a list of all of the examples of similar images (images of the organic and the inorganic, for example), before attempting to relate them to Carmody's rebirth and the novel's conclusion. Readers may also want to consider such issues as the credibility of Carmody's rebirth and conversion and the attractiveness of Boontaism as an alternative to Christianity.

1. In Part One, what are Carmody's main strengths and weaknesses? Does anything about him prepare us for or foreshadow his spiritual rebirth and transformation?

2. Both parts of this novel progress from death to birth. How is reproductive imagery used in both...