What is Uqbar? Why does Uqbar appear in only one version of the encyclopedia? How does the narrator connect Uqbar to Tlon? Are they connected? Who created these places? Why? Where did the artifacts of Tlon come from if Tlon is imaginary? Why is the narrator convinced that Tlon is taking over the world? Is he right? What does his warning suggest for mankind?

Who is Al-Mu'tasim? What is the significance of this story? How does Al-Mu'tasim compare to other stories of pilgrimages? What story would you compare Al-Mu'tasim to? What is the writer trying to say about religion in this story? What is your opinion about the writer's beliefs in religion based on this story?

Discuss The Circular Ruins. Who is the man who arrives at the ruins? Why does he sleep so much? What is the man attempting to achieve? How is...