Red Lodge Fantasy Book Club discussion

1. What was the purpose of the parallels between destruction of Arthur's home and the destruction of Earth? Was it just meant to be comedic or was there a more sinister connotation?

2. Who was your favorite character? Which Character do you see as the Protagonist? Antagonist?

3. The job of the Galactic President was not to wield power, but to attract attention away from it. Do you think this is possible? Is it true to some degree in the real world?

4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide is only available in electronic form because if it were printed the books would require several large buildings to hold them all. Does it surprise you to see the description of advanced technologies that are now present in our day to day lives?

5. Why do you think this book has been banned continuously over the years?

6. How did you think The Restaurant at the End of the Universe compared to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?

7. Do you think there could be an understandable question that would result in 42 being the answer to life, the universe, and everything? What did you think of the question that Arthur discovered?

8. Is it more ethical to eat an animal “that actually want[s] to be eaten and [is] capable of saying so clearly and distinctly” as opposed to the alternative?

9. Adams portrays the universe as infinite and absurd, and often shows how seeking for hidden meaning is pointless. Do you agree with this world view?

10. Several life philosophies are presented by different characters throughout the series. Do any of these resonate with you as possible answers to life, the universe and everything? Ex. “I always think that the chances of finding out what really is going on are so abundantly remote that the only thing to do is say hang the sense of it and just keep yourself occupied” p.255 “Don’t panic” (mult) “Nothing matters. Look, it's a beautiful day, enjoy it. The sun, the green of the hills, the river down in the valley, the burning trees.”

11. The Hitchhikers Guide has been reproduced several times in different forms of media, including a radio show, tv show and movie. Which of these have you seen or listened to and what changes stood out to you?