The Bonfire of the Vanities

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 6

Chapters 7-12

Chapters 13-18

Chapters 19-24

Chapter 25-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How does Tom Wolfe use the concept of “the bonfire of the vanities” as a thematic framework in the novel? Use examples from the text in your response.

Discuss the treatment of women characters in the novel, including Maria Ruskin and Judy McCoy. How does their depiction differ from that of the main male characters?

What is the role of media and journalism in the novel? How does media shape public perception and influence legal outcomes?