The Troop

How does Shelley’s general treatment of humans and animals, as well as his view of the parasitic worms as his “babies,” complicate the distinction between humans, animals, and/or monsters? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

How does the author’s use of an omniscient third-person narrator complicate the distinction between adults and children? In this context, consider why the author may have chosen to use an omniscient narrator versus a first-person narrator. Use details from the novel to support your ideas.

Analyze how the group’s social dynamics change once the parasitic worms are introduced. What does their response suggest about civilization and human nature?

How does the author’s use of fictional news articles interspersed with narration of the main characters’ experience create dramatic irony and enhance the novel’s suspense? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

When Tim first sees Tom Padgett (the hungry stranger), he thinks he’s a “monster,” but Tim soon realizes the stranger is actually a man who has come under some unfortunate circumstances. Explain why Tom Padgett is not the true “monster” or “villain” of the novel. In turn, identify who does play that role.

The motif of Fatherhood is present throughout the novel. Does the novel suggest what makes a good father versus a bad father? How does the novel’s commentary on fatherhood relate to Dr. Edgerton’s observation that love is the ultimate killer?

The novel questions The Ethics of Bioengineering and Genetic Manipulation in a literal sense, with Dr. Edgerton creating the worms that torment the boys. In a more metaphorical sense, this theme plays out with Shelley and his paternal response to his parasites. How does Shelley’s take on the world parallel Dr. Edgerton’s perspective? What about Shelley’s nature makes him feel love toward something so destructive and harmful?

Even though Max is the only one who makes it home safe at the end of the novel, he still feels like adults failed to protect, understand, or help him, and therefore they’re not much different than children. What does this say about Max’s own maturation process? Consider the motif of Unreliable Authority Figures within the theme of the continuum of childhood to adulthood. Use examples from the novel to develop your essay.