In the first half of the book, Mailer refers to himself in the third person. Why do you think he does this?

Describe the relationship between Robert Lowell and Norman Mailer. How does their relationship change during the weekend described in the book?

Describe the change in tone and voice between the first half of the book and the last half. Is it possible for the novelist to speak as a historian? Can the historian speak as a novelist?

Mailer describes himself as an egomaniac. Is this a fair assessment? Support your answer with details of specific behaviors in the book.

Mailer discusses the Old Left and the New Left. Is the New Left of the early-1960s similar to the Left of today? How would you classify the New Left in today's terms?

Mailer uses a lot of military imagery and terminology in...