The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert

A cultural examination of the modern American male explores the meaning of manhood in all of its contradictions and challenges.

Why you'll like it: Outdoor life. Wilderness survival. Journalistic. Eccentrics. About the Author: Elizabeth Gilbert is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love, as well as the short story collection, Pilgrims--a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award, and winner of the 1999 John C. Zacharis First Book Award from Ploughshares. A Pushcart Prize winner and National Magazine Award-nominated journalist, she works as writer-at-large for GQ. Her journalism has been published in Harper's Bazaar, Spin, and The New York Times Magazine, and her stories have appeared in Esquire, Story, and the Paris Review.

Questions for Discussion

1. How does Eustace's childhood affect who he becomes as an adult? What effect did his mom have? His Dad? Who is to blame in the constant battle between Eustace and his father? If you were treated by your parents the way Eustace's dad treats him, how would you react?

2. What do animals represent to Eustace? What is his opinion of nature? What place does nature have in your life? What is the longest you have ever been in nature alone?

3. Eustace Conway was interested in learning, just not the same way everyone else learns. Do you think a standard school education is necessary to succeed in society? Should learning about the natural world be more incorporated into school curriculum?

4. Eustace lived in the woods since the time he was seventeen years old. Would you ever consider living alone in the woods? What would be the hardest part? Eustaces says he wants a companion more than anything else, what would be the most important thing for you to bring? Friends? Family? Technology?

5. What is your definition of the American dream? Is Eustace living the American dream? Why or why not?

6. Why do you think the book is titled The Last American Man? Is Eustace the definition of a true American man? Is he the definition of masculinity?

The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert | Updated 06.2014 7. One of the themes of the book was the bond between man and nature. Does man have the right to control nature? Is killing as a means of survival acceptable? In this day and age when most Americans have easy access to food, is it wrong to hunt or kill your own food? Why or why not?

8. What character from this year's readings is most similar to Eustace Conway? In what ways? Least similar?

9. What transcendental tenets does Eustace Conway exemplify? Give examples.

The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert | Updated 06.2014