Empire of the Ants by Bernard Werber (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Empire of the Ants by Bernard Werber. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including science, ecology, and the role of mankind. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 26-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Bernard Werber
• Presentation of Empire of the Ants
• Summary of Empire of the Ants
• Character study
  • The humans
  • The ants
• Analysis of Empire of the Ants
  • A novel caught between many genres
  • Bernard Werber’s style
  • Real and symbolic places
  • A reflection on the place and behaviour of mankind

About Empire of the Ants

Empire of the Ants was first published in 1991, and is the first book in a trilogy about ants. It was followed by Le Jour des fourmis (“The Day of the Ants”) and La Révolution des fourmis (“The Revolution of the Ants”). It focuses on Jonathan Wells, an entomologist’s nephew who has discovered a way to communicate with ants. The novel tells two stories in parallel: that of everyday life in the anthill, and that of a series of mysterious disappearances that the reader is invited to investigate. Through this dual plot, Werber produces a thought-provoking book which raises questions about man’s place on earth.

About Bernard Werber

Bernard Werber was a French writer. After studying criminology, then journalism, he embarked on a career as a scientific journalist. He went on to write a number of novels, including Empire of the Ants. His novels span multiple genres, including the mystery novel, the fantastic novel and science fiction, but are united by their focus on the theme of mankind. Werber’s novels frequently explore imaginary worlds, and combine mythology, spirituality, philosophy and science.