The Lords of Discipline

Why does the narrative mostly avoid Will’s sophomore and junior years? What purpose, in terms of creating an interesting or coherent storyline, might such omissions serve?

What do you think is the root cause of Will’s skepticism towards authority figures? Return to Will’s social and family background, but also consider evidence from Will’s time at the Institute.

How would the message of The Lords of Discipline change if major characters had not died—in particular, if Pig had not committed suicide and if Mark had survived his time in Vietnam?

What explains the bond between Tradd and Will? Is there one specific element or factor that is the foundation of their friendship?

What roles do women play in Conroy’s novel? The narrative is dominated by male characters. In what ways are the female characters important?

Were any of the plot twists that occur towards the end of The Lords of Discipline predictable or foreshadowed? If so, what clues relating to them did you locate in the narrative?

How is the cruelty of the plebe-year hazing methods at the Carolina Military Institute justified by the system it creates and sustains? How is the reader asked to make sense of the treatment that the younger students receive?

Conroy’s narrative is rich in symbolism. What symbols stand out to you, and how do they determine the meaning or message of The Lords of Discipline?