The Sirens of Titan

Consider the gender dynamics of the novel, with Beatrice as a case study. How is Beatrice depicted? What is the significance of her role? How does her predicament intersect with the themes of wealth, privilege, and dominance in the novel?

Rumfoord builds a religion to teach the world about the indifference of God. How does Rumfoord's religion provide a commentary on the nature of religion more generally?

Do any of the characters exhibit free will at any point? Do they want free will?

Wealth and privilege play important roles in the novel. How do the characters use or misuse their own wealth and privilege? What is the connection—if any—between wealth, fate, and luck?

The harmoniums live in the caves of Mercury and seem to send messages to Unk and Boaz. How do these small, strange creatures represent humanity's need to see meaning in a meaningless universe? What is the significance of Boaz’s attempted connection with them?

Rumfoord's religion turns Malachi Constant into an effigy which is ritually abused. What do these Malachi dolls symbolize?

Salo is a machine who demonstrates acute emotions. To what degree is Salo just as human as the humans? What lessons does he seek to teach them about the meaning of life?

What is the significance of the novel’s title, The Sirens of Titan? What do the Sirens symbolize, and how do they embody some of the novel’s ideas and themes?