Red Lodge Fantasy Book Club discussion
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The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Hitchhiker's Guide Discussion
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1. What was your favorite book in the series?
2. It is impossible to know the Question and Answer in the same Universe - “knowledge of one logically precludes knowledge of the other.” Why do you think this is?
3. What did you think of the methods used to allow spaceships to travel so quickly through space, such as the infinite probability drive and bistromathics?
4. What does the presence of Agrajag say about the nature of the universe? Was this a satisfactory conclusion to the bowl of petunias from book 1?
5. What did you think of Arthur’s sudden ability to fly? Why did it seem so easy for him?
6. Do you think humankind would be different if we didn’t have stars in the sky to view? Does the world view of the people of Krikket make sense?
7. Was Trillian’s realization about the truth of Kricket in character for her or did it seem to come too easily?
8. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has questionable standards. Ford is able to abuse his position as a writer with the guide for free services, and it is mentioned that entries that are completely inaccurate, and even dangerous, are kept in if they are profitable for the guide. Why do you think Adams was trying to say with this?
9. What happened to the dolphins? Why did some people receive fish bowls from them?
10. Why do Fenchurch’s feet not touch the ground on Earth Mk.II?
What was the purpose of showing so much of Ford’s journey to Earth Mk.II in book 4?
11. God’s final message to His creation was “we apologize for the inconvenience.” Why do you think this made Marvin happy?
What did you think of the romance between Arthur and Fenchurch?
Mostly Harmless Questions
1. What did you think of the sudden disappearance of Fenchurch in this book?
2. What did you think of how this book ended?
3. This book is often considered the least popular of the series, why do you think that is?
4. “Sometimes if you received an answer, the question might be taken away” what does this quote imply about the series?
2. Who was your favorite character? Which Character do you see as the Protagonist? Antagonist?
3. The job of the Galactic President was not to wield power, but to attract attention away from it. Do you think this is possible? Is it true to some degree in the real world?
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide is only available in electronic form because if it were printed the books would require several large buildings to hold them all. Does it surprise you to see the description of advanced technologies that are now present in our day to day lives?
5. Why do you think this book has been banned continuously over the years?
6. How did you think The Restaurant at the End of the Universe compared to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
7. Do you think there could be an understandable question that would result in 42 being the answer to life, the universe, and everything? What did you think of the question that Arthur discovered?
8. Is it more ethical to eat an animal “that actually want[s] to be eaten and [is] capable of saying so clearly and distinctly” as opposed to the alternative?
9. Adams portrays the universe as infinite and absurd, and often shows how seeking for hidden meaning is pointless. Do you agree with this world view?
10. Several life philosophies are presented by different characters throughout the series. Do any of these resonate with you as possible answers to life, the universe and everything? Ex. “I always think that the chances of finding out what really is going on are so abundantly remote that the only thing to do is say hang the sense of it and just keep yourself occupied” p.255 “Don’t panic” (mult) “Nothing matters. Look, it's a beautiful day, enjoy it. The sun, the green of the hills, the river down in the valley, the burning trees.”
11. The Hitchhikers Guide has been reproduced several times in different forms of media, including a radio show, tv show and movie. Which of these have you seen or listened to and what changes stood out to you?