The Knife of Never Letting Go

What does Todd mean when he says that a man without a filter is “chaos walking,” and how does this phrase relate to the novel’s themes?

What is the significance of the title, The Knife of Never Letting Go?

What role does the suppression of literacy play in the mayor’s attempt to control Prentisstown? How do the mayor’s actions mirror historical tyrants from our world?

Are there parallels in our modern world to the utter lack of privacy in the book? Discuss.

Why can’t Todd bring himself to kill Aaron, and why is it significant to Todd’s role as the protagonist in the novel?

Discuss the idea of manhood in the book. How do different groups in the story view the concept? How does the author seem to view it?

The Mayor believes that order can be imposed on Noise. Do you agree? If so, how do you feel about his methods of enforced chanting and circular thinking?

Why are Todd and Viola so moved by the song of the creatures in the herd?