logo

49 pages 1 hour read

John Williams

Stoner

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1965

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

Why does John Williams alternate between using “William” and “Stoner” to refer to his main character? What does this say about the novel’s themes of identity? What does this say about the role of environment in the protagonist’s life?

2.

How does Stoner’s upbringing on a farm inform his adulthood? What does this reveal about his beginnings and his view of hard work? What does this say about the transition America was going through at the turn of the 20th century?

3.

How does Archer Sloane change Stoner’s life? Analyze the significance of Archer Sloane on Stoner’s character development. How does his introduction of literature to Stoner’s life help shape Stoner’s identity?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 49 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools