This Is Happiness

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-14

Chapters 15-23

Chapters 24-33

Chapters 34-44

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

What is the role of religion and faith in This Is Happiness? How do the characters’ beliefs and metaphysical assumptions shape their actions and the events in the story? Give specific examples from the text and analyze their effectiveness.

Discuss the narrative voice in This Is Happiness. How does the perspective of an older Noe looking back on his past add depth to the storytelling and the themes of the novel?

Analyze how Niall Williams uses the oral storytelling tradition within the narrative of This Is Happiness. How does this literary device connect to the overall themes of the novel? Discuss specific instances and their role in shaping the novel’s tone and themes.