In 1968, Robertson Davies remarked in a conversation with Gordon Roper that "life has a strong mythic and fairy tale quality. And people don't recognize that they are living out myths or mythic patterns or archetypal situations." This concept heavily influenced his subsequent novel, Fifth Business, released two years later. Any in-depth analysis of Fifth Business must address the mythic patterns Dunstan Ramsay seeks to comprehend in his own life and the various archetypes represented by the characters. While an understanding of C. G. Jung's theories can enhance the reading experience, Fifth Business can still be appreciated without prior knowledge of Jungian psychology.

Another aspect to consider is Davies's use of a first-person narrator. Typically, a narrator's perspective is limited and potentially flawed or incomplete. It is worth exploring whether these concerns about fallibility are pertinent in a novel that aims to depict both the life and the myth of the narrator.

1. What is Dunstan Ramsay's relationship with his mother like? How does it influence the events of his life?

2. In what ways are the three miracles attributed to Mrs. Dempster alike? Do they highlight a significant theme in Fifth Business?

3. Why is Dunstan Ramsay so unsettled by the article in the College Chronicle? Do you agree that it misrepresents his life, or is Ramsay unable to understand how others perceive his life?

4. How are the Prince of Wales and Boy Staunton similar? In what ways are they different?

5. Consider Overskou's definition of "Fifth Business" provided at the start of the novel. Has Liesl accurately identified Ramsay's role in life as Fifth Business? Does he fulfill any other roles mentioned in Overskou's definition?

6. What is the myth of Gyges and King Candaules? To which situation in the novel does Ramsay apply this myth? Is it significant that there are different endings to this myth?

7. Compare Boy Staunton's two marriages. Are there any fundamental similarities? Does Staunton's role differ between his first and second marriages?

8. How reliable is Dunstan Ramsay as a narrator of his own life? Are there ways in which he deceives himself or is deceived about others?

9. Why does Dunstan Ramsay distance himself from both Diana Marfleet and Leola Staunton when they show interest in him? What do his actions reveal about his character?

10. What kind of devil is Liesl? What kind of Jesuit is Blazon? Are their roles in Ramsay's life similar or different?