45 pages • 1 hour read
Priya ParkerThe Art of Gathering
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Parker claims that her theories about gatherings apply to everything from birthday parties to conversations on race. However, she does distinguish a gathering from a “simple, casual hangout” that does not have a stated purpose (25). Do you agree with this distinction? Or do you think it is possible for hangouts to be purposeful, or that some gatherings don’t have to have a purpose?
The structure of The Art of Gathering reflects its goal of providing readers with an overview of conceptualizing, hosting, and ending a gathering. In addition, Parker often provides anecdotes describing how she has personally enacted her ideas. What do you think is the significance of this hands-on, practical approach?
The anecdotal evidence Parker utilizes throughout the book encompasses stories of successful ideas and techniques as well as failures—including her own. Why do you think that Parker included stories of failure, and how do they support the book’s goals overall?
Some of the anecdotes Parker shares, such as the Zen Buddhist monks who lead seminars on dealing with death or the dominatrix Zoe Warncke, are not focused on gatherings in a traditional sense. Why do you think Parker includes these types of anecdotes, and what is their significance within the book as a whole?
The primary purpose of Parker’s book is not to critique others’ ideas, but she does explicitly oppose stalwarts of etiquette like Martha Stewart, who she thinks is overly focused on superficial aspects of gatherings. Do you think that Parker’s characterization of these figures, and etiquette, is fair? Why or why not?
The Art of Gathering draws on evidence and anecdotes from a variety of sources that Parker researched or interviewed. Most of these individuals are experts in their respective fields, including community organizing, economics, politics, academia, and more. What is the significance of these figures? What do they contribute to the text? How might the book be different if Parker had incorporated insights or interviews from more average people?
Parker introduces generous authority to challenge the pervasive idea that organizers should be “chill.” What are the pitfalls of chill hosting? What are the benefits of a host who actively participates in a gathering rather than passively observing? How does the idea of generous authority fit into Parker’s broader conception of gatherings?
Parker recommends embracing three potentially negative elements that convention would compel most hosts and attendees to avoid. What are these controversial ideas? Why does Parker advocate for their inclusion in gatherings? Do you agree that these elements could serve or benefit an event’s purpose? Why or why not?
Parker upholds the Diner en Blanc as a notable example of a gathering held according to pop-up rules. She argues that it is antiestablishment and promotes diversity, even as it mimics high-class events by utilizing formal decorations and enforcing a fancy, all-white dress code. Does the event succeed in the goal of democratization, or does it reinforce some aspects of gatherings that Parker rejects?
