Diary of a Nobody

An epistolary novel, one told in a series of written entries such as letters or journals, limits the point of view to the character writing the entries. How do the authors of The Diary of a Nobody convey their major themes despite this limitation? What strengths of the epistolary novel do the authors use to their advantage?

Compare and contrast the two women who are Pooter’s contemporaries, Carrie and Mrs. James, to those who are Lupin’s contemporaries, Daisy Mutlar and Lillie Posh. What conclusion might the Grossmiths be drawing through these characters about the evolving role of women in Victorian society?

Pooter rides in various forms of transportation in the novel, including cabs, buses, and Lupin’s pony-cart. What do his experiences with transportation reveal about his character’s social status?

Carrie twice compares Lupin to Hardfur Huttle in Chapters 20 and 21. What qualities in each character prompt her to do this? Does the comparison mean the same thing in both scenes, and, if so, how does it differ?

Both the young clerks at his office and Pooter’s neighbors are, for the most part, rude to him. Does he play any role in bringing on this behavior? Explain your response with examples from the text.

Consider the theme of Taking Oneself Too Seriously. Does this apply to the novel’s characters from all social classes? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Many of the novel’s significant scenes take place in the morning: Pooter’s run-in with the butcher and grocer’s boy; Pooter and Carrie’s discussion of the social status of their fathers; Pooter’s reception of the letter telling him Lupin is no longer employed by Mr. Perkupp; and the interview in which Perkupp gifts him the purchase of his house. Why might the authors have chosen morning as the setting for these scenes?

How do the clothing choices of various characters in the novel reflect the theme of The Absurdity of Social Aspirations?