The impact of history and geography on the trajectory of Augustine’s life cannot be overstated. How might Augustine’s life—and, consequently, Christianity—have been affected had he lived at another time or place within the Roman Empire?

Augustine draws many parallels between his story and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Select another Bible story with themes similar to those of Confessions, and compare and contrast the two.

Why does Augustine spend so much time on the pear episode over other instances of his sinfulness? Consider literary devices such as symbolism and allusion in your response.