Black Robe

Clothes are used as cultural denominators throughout the text. How do Europeans and native peoples treat subtle variances in clothing, and how do they ignore such differences in other cultures?

How does the journey along the river in the first part of the novel mirror Laforgue’s crisis of faith?

The novel portrays differences between the living arrangements of the Europeans and the local people they encounter. How do these different approaches to habitation reflect inherent cultural differences?

The main religious dichotomy in the novel is between Christianity and the belief systems of the local people. How do more subtle differences in religion—for instance, the difference between Jesuits and Huguenots—convey the themes of the novel? 

On numerous occasions, Laforgue encounters native sorcerers. How do the practices and beliefs of these sorcerers differ from his own? How are they similar?

Neehatin’s dream sees Laforgue walk into the Huron town alone. To what extent does this prophecy drive the plot forward, and to what extent is the prophecy realized? 

In what way is colonialism portrayed in the text?

Laforgue’s crisis of faith deepens as he travels further along the river. What causes this crisis and, ultimately, do you believe the crisis is resolved?