The Star Questions and Answers
The Star
What is the conflict between religion and science in "The Star"?
The conflict between religion and science in "The Star" centers on the narrator, a Jesuit priest and astrophysicist, who grapples with reconciling scientific discoveries with his faith. The discovery...
The Star
How does the narrator of "The Star" manage his conflict?
In the short story "The Star" by Arthur C. Clarke, the narrator, a Jesuit priest, does not manage to resolve the conflict that he finds himself in. The fact that the supernova his expedition is...
The Star
In Arthur Clarke's "The Star," why is the ending ironic?
The supernova that brings on the crisis of faith that the Jesuit priest describes in "The Star" would be an example of situational irony. By this definition, it is ironic that the portent of...
The Star
What is the central idea of "The Star"?
The central idea of "The Star" revolves around the conflict between science and religion. The narrator, a devout religious believer, seeks to harmonize these domains, suggesting science can reveal...