On the Beach

Mary is the only character that grapples with the moral complexity of euthanasia. Considering the time the book was written, why did the author include this highly controversial element?

Consider the military’s role in the story and the theme of morality versus obedience. Analyze the portrayal of Peter and Dwight as heroic, principled military men juxtaposed with a global war incited by military establishments.

How does the author address the question of sanity throughout the novel? How does the definition of rationality change as the story progresses?

Discuss the author’s attitude toward gender in the novel. How do women react differently than men to the uncertainty of the future?

Peter blames the war on a lack of rationality, but John asserts it happened due to a lack of imagination. What is the author’s attitude toward nuclear weapon proliferation?

What is the role of technology in the narrative? Consider using submarines, radio transmissions, automobiles, and radiation detection machines.

Discuss how the submarine missions, particularly the mission to Seattle, serve as the primary narrative drive and to what end it successfully creates suspense. Did the mystery Seattle radio signal work as a red herring?

What details does the author include that highlight the differences between Australian and American culture? How do these cultural differences alter how Dwight approaches the end of his life versus the other characters?