Down and Out in Paris and London
George Orwell
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Poverty
What does Orwell discover about poverty that surprised you, from the boredom to the 'relief'?
Keep the conversation going
- Which detail of being poor stayed with you most?
- How does poverty change the way he sees others?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
What does Orwell discover about poverty that surprised you, from the boredom to the 'relief'?
Keep the conversation going
- Which detail of being poor stayed with you most?
- How does poverty change the way he sees others?
What did you make of Boris, the Russian ex-soldier?
Keep the conversation going
- How does his optimism help them?
- What does their search for work show about Paris?
What was life as a plongeur in the Hotel X like?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the hierarchy of the kitchen?
- Is a plongeur's work useful, in Orwell's view?
Which of the people Orwell meets, from Charlie to Paddy to Bozo, stayed with you?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Bozo the pavement artist looking at the stars?
- Who seemed happiest?
What does Orwell show about the London 'spikes' and the laws governing tramps?
Keep the conversation going
- Why are tramps forced to keep moving?
- What would Orwell change?
How does hunger change people, in Orwell's account?
Keep the conversation going
- Which of his descriptions of what poverty does to people struck you most?
- Did any of his descriptions feel exaggerated?
How do poverty in Paris and in London differ?
Keep the conversation going
- Where would you rather be poor?
- What does each city reveal?
What does Orwell promise at the end, and do you think it is enough?
Keep the conversation going
- How did the book change your view of people sleeping rough?
- Is the book still relevant?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.