Babel

Use the following questions to jumpstart your discussion about Babel:

1. Colonialism and its impacts are central to the novel’s plot. How does Babel explore the experience of colonized peoples through the lives of the main characters, particularly Robin and his friends? How does their individual experience of colonialism influence their identities and actions throughout the novel?

2. The novel emphasizes the idea that language shapes our understanding of the world. How do the characters’ relationships with language influence their perception of themselves and others? How does Robin’s journey, in particular, reflect the theme of language as a means of both belonging and alienation?

3. The novel raises questions about the role of academia in perpetuating systems of oppression. How does Babel challenge the idea of academic neutrality? What do you think Kuang is saying about the responsibility of scholars and intellectuals when it comes to systems of power and privilege?