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

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide: