Ender's Game

Ender’s Game was a major influence on the Science Fiction genre in its themes and tropes. What influences permeate the genre? Describe how these elements contribute to the genre’s purpose.

Peter and Valentine were close to taking on Ender’s role in Battle School. Using knowledge of their respective personalities and leadership styles, describe how Peter and/or Valentine would have handled Battle School differently from Ender.

Bonzo—Salamander Army’s commander—is a nickname for Bonito de Madrid. In Spanish, “Bonito” translates to “pretty.” Why does Card choose this name for this antagonist?

Consider the ethics of colonization with regard to the novel’s ending. Describe two pros and two cons for colonizing bugger planets, using details and context from the novel to support your answer.

Battle School students arrive in space from the young age of six. Why would Card choose to make his characters so young?

How reliable is Ender’s as a narrator? Use his perceptions of supporting characters and his own circumstances to support your argument.

Petra is the only girl Ender meets in Battle School. What influence does her gender play on her characterization? (Or, similarly, in what ways is her character unconcerned about her gender?)

Discuss how the novel handles placing a lot of power in the hands of a few. Use two characters and their choices to evaluate how these high-level decisions are made for humanity and whether they truly achieve good.