The Edge of Sadness
By Edwin O'Connor

664 Pages • $13.95

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
AND REFLECTION

The Edge of Sadness
By Edwin O'Connor

[Open a pdf version]

Use the following questions as guides to deeper individual understanding of the novel or for group discussion.

1. What is your general impression of  Father Hugh Kennedy’s personality and character?

2. According to Father Kennedy, what led to his drinking problem?

3. Judging from the stories of Fathers Kennedy and Carmody, what would you say are the spiritual risks of priestly ministry? What about their lives resulted in a distancing from God?

4. Describe the character of Father Danowski. Did your reaction to him change over the course of the book? How did Father Kennedy’s view of him change, and why?

5. What was Charlie Carmody’s function in Father Kennedy’s life during the course of this story? What did he force Father Kennedy to confront?

6. There is a continual contrast between the enthusiasm and idealism of the young priest and the melancholy of the older priests. Did this dynamic seem familiar to you? How have you experienced this in your life?

7. How did Charlie Carmody affect each of his children? How do you feel that your parents have influenced your choices? Was this influence positive or negative?

8. Describe Father Kennedy’s experience of prayer (311–13, 588–90). What does he find to be obstacles in prayer? What do you find to be obstacles in prayer?

9. Was there anything about the lives of the priests described in this book that disturbed or surprised you?

10. The Edge of Sadness was published more than forty years ago. What about its description of parish life still rings true with your experience today? What has changed?

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