The Man Who Was Thursday

G. K. ChestertonFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

Introduction

Teacher Introduction

The Man Who Was Thursday

Genre: Thriller; espionage; philosophical fiction
Originally Published: 1908
Reading Level/Interest: Adult
Structure/Length: Novel divided into chapters; approximately 138 pages; approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The Man Who Was Thursday is a classic thriller and philosophical novel by G.K. Chesterton. The central conflict revolves around Gabriel Syme, a poet and undercover detective who infiltrates a secret anarchist society in London. Each member of the society is named after a day of the week, and the novel explores themes of Identity and Disguise, and Reality Versus Fantasy. As Gabriel delves deeper into the society, he discovers that appearances can be deceiving, and the truth is far more complex than he could have imagined. G.K. Chesterton’s storytelling combines wit, allegory, and a philosophical exploration of the human condition.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Philosophical discussions and moral dilemmas

G.K. Chesterton, Author

Bio: English writer, philosopher, and critic known for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of mystery and detective fiction; celebrated for his works, including the Father Brown series and essays on various topics
Other Works: Orthodoxy (1908); The Complete Father Brown Stories (1914); G.K. Chesterton’s novels and essays often explore themes of faith, morality, and societal issues

Get access to this full Teaching Guide and much more!