Riddley Walker

Riddley, like many characters, loses his father at a young age. How does the loss of a father (or a father figure) affect the development of characters in the novel?

The political organization of Inland is centered on a rudimentary government named the Ram. How does the Ram exert its authority and project the power of the state? How do different characters react to this projection?

In the post-apocalyptic world of Riddley Walker, dogs have become humanity’s fiercest enemy. How do human interactions with dogs illustrate the difference between the pre- and post-apocalyptic ages?

In Riddley Walker, the dominant form of entertainment is the puppet show. How do the puppet shows reflect the society as a whole? Who are some of the characters, and what do they represent?

How is the society of Riddley Walker constructed along gendered lines? What role does sex play in the community?

A recurring theme throughout the novel is the misinterpretation of the past. Explain several of these misinterpretations. How do these misinterpretations shape the lives of the characters?

Riddley Walker is famous for its unique interpretation of the English language. How does the novel use phonetic, deconstructed English to tell a story about a dystopian society?

A key divide in the society depicted in the novel is the split between farmers and foragers. What does this divide represent in terms of freedom, authority, and political expression in a post-apocalyptic society?