Consider the novel’s various allusions to religion—the Tonists as a Buddhist-like group, the relationship of the scythes’ commandments to the Ten Commandments, etc. What role does religion or faith play in a world that is largely without death?

Discuss how the characters’ perspectives on Scythe Faraday change through the novel. Is Faraday a dynamic character, or do others simply come to a better understanding of him? Cite specific details from the text that support your response.

Why is such emphasis put on using the word “gleaning” instead of the word “killing”? Is it merely a euphemism, or does the word have additional resonance?