World War Z discussion questions
Questions for World War Z
World War Z has around forty different perspective characters telling their individual stories, and we're not even counting the Interviewer.
What's the purpose of having so many different characters from so many different places? Why do you think this story-telling method was chosen? Don't forget to snatch some evidence for your answer from the book.
Back to those forty-three different characters: what do you think are the advantages to having so many perspective characters? What about locations? Any disadvantages? Based on your answer from the above question, how well do you think this story-telling method supports its intended purpose?
What kind of role do you feel gender plays in World War Z? Do you notice a difference in how the women's stories played out versus the men's? If yes, how? If no, explain why not.
Find an example or two of religion being shown as a positive force in the novel. Then find some examples of its negative effects. Do a little comparing and contrasting. Based on this, what role do you think religion plays in the novel?
The Interviewer argues in Chapter 1 that "if there is a human factor that should be removed, let it be my own" (1.1.5). How do you see the Interviewer removing his "human factor" from the story? Do you notice any instances where his human factor pops up? Based on these instances, what purpose do you think the Interviewer character serves in the novel? If you don't see any instances, then explain how this is accomplished and why it matters to the novel.
It's create-a-character time! Create your own character for World War Z by addressing a job, ethnicity, or location that Brooks did not include. Structure the character's story and include at least the following criteria: timeline; challenges brought about by new location, job, or ethnicity; survival method; events; and ultimate fate. If you're feeling that creative urge, you could even write the story.
Sourced from www.shmoop.com/world-war-z/questions.html
World War Z Topics for Discussion
Throughout the novel, the author blames several entities for the worldwide outbreak, including civilians, the government, the military, illegal smugglers, and the medical professionals. Explain the role each of these entities played in the outbreak, and discuss what actions each could have taken to help avoid the worldwide epidemic.
In Chapter Four, Turning the Tide, the governments of several countries implement forms of the Redeker Plan, which involve the killing of several thousand innocent individuals in an effort to end the outbreak. Explain each version of the plan. Do you believe these actions were justified? Explain your answer in detail, using examples from the novel.
There are several references throughout the novel to real-world events, such as the "Shock and Awe" campaign of the United States against Iraq, the military recruitment game "American Army," the pullout of Israel from the west bank, and several others. Name six references within
Sourced from http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-world-war-z/topicsfordiscussion.html
1. Did you enjoy the novel? Did any of the characters create an impression on you?
2. Why do you think there is so much interest in zombies currently?
3. What other books/films describe similar scenarios? How does this book compare with them
in terms of : Science? Humanity? Politics? Current attitudes and events?
4. Do you think the story will date? When was the story set? When did the events happen? Did
this have any impact on the way in which the pandemic was detected/managed?
5. How did the pandemic emerge?
6. In what ways, if any, does zombieism reflect infectious disease? What were the symptoms?
How was the disease spread? Are there any existing diseases with similar epidemiologies?
7. Was defensive action taken quickly enough? What actions were taken? Were they effective?
What was learnt?
8. What prevention measures were taken?
9. What control measures were taken?
10. How was the world managed after the different plans were enforced?
11. What learning about microbiology could be derived from the novel?
12. Were you convinced as to the likelihood of the events described? Explain!
13. What exercises could students be assigned to enhance learning of science/microbiology
from the story?
14. How easily/well do you think the story will be translated into a movie?
15. Did any particular incidents have an impact on you?
16. Do you think something like this could happen in ‘real life’?
Sourced from http://www.hsri.mmu.ac.uk/microbiology/docs/bbbc/worldwarz_reading_guide.pdf
--People took extreme actions here. Which were wrong and which were justified? Examples: Redeker, Cannibalism, the Pakistan pass, nerve gas, celebrity compound attack, decimation
--Who was responsible here?
--He introduces a bunch of characters quickly. Does he succeed in helping you get to know each person?
--Why do you all think zombie fiction is so popular? Why do you think he uses zombies as a framework for his stories and not something more realistic?
--The great panic shows a total breakdown of society. Is this realistic?
--Why do you think he chose to write his book this way? Does the format work for you? Could he tell this story any other way?
--Brooks blames American isolationism. How does he show that? Is it fair?
--This is a story of despair that turns into hope. At what point do you feel like the tone of the book changes, or does it for you?
--Brooks claims to have done a bucket of research for the book. Does it show? Does his account ring true for you (besides the zombies)?
--Which was the most compelling interview for you?
--Did this book make you think about your own emergency preparedness? How so?
Sourced from http://erikafflam.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/world-war-z-and-my-bookgroup.html