What is the purpose of building a "Fortress of Solitude"? Why does the author suggest that this is a distinctly American phenomenon?

In the book, Eco talks a great deal about the real versus the fake. What defines reality? What makes something inauthentic? Why should anyone care about the line between real and false?

In the book, Eco discusses the mass suicide at the People's Temple and Millenarian dynamics. What about these cults is attractive to people? What is a sufficient amount of crisis to compel people to join? What, if anything , can be done to prevent the formation of these cults?

Throughout the book, Eco touches on the subject of death in various ways. What relationship does death have to the American fascination with Fortresses of Solitude?

Describe what is meant by the phrase "Man has fallen out of center".

How does the...