American Pastoral

In what ways is the Swede a tragic hero? What aspects of his character fit this literary tradition? What is the tragic flaw that leads to his undoing?

How does American Pastoral explore the tension between the Swede’s longing for acceptance in a world dominated by men like Bill Orcutt and his desire to be faithful to his Jewish identity and community?

When the Swede confronts his adult daughter, he realizes to his horror that he doesn’t know her at all. To what degree does he know the other people in his life? To what degree does he know himself? What commentary on the concept of identity does the novel offer?