The Portable Veblen Reading Guide & Discussion Questions

Book Club Discussion Questions

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For supplemental discussion material see our Beyond the Book article, Thorstein Bunde Veblen and our BookBrowse Review of The Portable Veblen.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. When Paul proposes, he presents Veblen with a diamond ring that becomes a source of contention throughout the novel. At that point in their relationship, should he have known she wouldn't like it? Are engagement rings symbols of love, outmoded displays of conspicuous consumption, or something in between?
2. Early on, Veblen listens to her coworker Laurie's "daily conversations with her husband" and is dismayed by the fact that she always ends the phone call by saying, "Love you" (p. 17). Do you agree with Veblen that leaving out the "I" is an ominous sign?
3. Can Veblen really talk with squirrels? Has an animal ever spoken to you?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Penguin Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.