Consider the Curé de Torcy's story about the nun who cleaned the church nonstop. The story is actually an allegory about life. In the story what role does the "filth" play? What about the nun and the church?

Why does Bernanos not give the priest, who narrates the novel, a name? What significance does this have?

Consider the difficulties the priest has in deciding whether or not his journal keeping is a good idea. Why is this decision so difficult for him?

Consider Dr. Delbende's death. Do you think the cause of death was an accident or suicide? Why?

After his meeting with Mlle Chantal, the priest confronts Mme la Comtesse concerning her daughter. Was the priest wrong in confronting Mme la Comtesse? Should the priest have handled the situation differently?

Discuss the ways in which poverty and wealth are portrayed in the novel...