The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

More Information: BarnesandNoble.com
Discussion Posts: Name of the Rose Post Category
Discussion Period: February 23 – February 29, 2008

Discussion Questions:

  1. This book is a mystery, and as is true for the majority of mysteries, “red herrings” or clues are hidden throughout the text. Did you pick up on any of those while you were reading the book? Now that you know the ending, can you look back and see the clues that you missed? Were the clues obvious or subconsciously helpful?
  2. In Day 4, chapter titled Vespers, William explains to Adso the thought processes involved in solving a mystery. Besides to sooth Adso’s curious mind, what do you think the purpose of this chapter is? How does it benefit the reader?
  3. How did the large amount of untranslated Latin text add to the atmosphere of the book? Or did it annoy you? Explain.
  4. Throughout the text you learn the virtues and flaws of the two main characters – Adso and William. As the story is told from Adso’s point of view, however, the flaws are based on his perception of himself and his interpretation of William’s ideas. Does he present himself and William as likeable characters? Were you ever conflicted in how you felt about either man? Does this make you question whether or not Adso is a reliable narrator?
  5. We knew early on that William was a man who believed in possibility. In a chapter where he discussed the use of logic to Adso, Adso realized that William didn’t use logic to find truth; rather, he used it to find all the possibilites of an issue. In Day 4, chapter titled After Compline, William says this about books:

    Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we musn’t ask ourselves what it says but what it means.

    Do you agree with this statement for all books (fiction and nonfiction)? Is the author using this statement to encourage his reader into rethinking the mystery, and if so, how?

  6. Did you like the ending? Did the solution of the murders surprise you? Do you agree with Adso that none of it really ended up mattering since the abbey burned down anyway?
  7. What do you think the title means?
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