House of Stairs

How does William Sleator’s House of Stairs fit into the genre of dystopian social experiment in young adult literature? Compare and contrast the story’s dystopian elements to a young adult dystopian novel written in the 21st century.

Research M. C. Escher’s famous lithograph print House of Stairs. Where does Escher’s intent overlap with Sleator’s? In what ways does Sleator take the concept and make it his own? Support your answer using the text.

How is the Jasper/Oliver dichotomy developed in the novel? To what effect? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Is there a true antagonist in the story, or are there simply characters who have moments of conflict with other characters? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

What is the role of Peter’s daydreams in the narrative? How do they inform character development, major themes, and/or plot points? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Why do you think Sleator made the teenagers orphans? How does being an orphan affect each character’s agency and worldview? How does Blossom’s limited time without parents differentiate her from the other teens? Support your answer using the text.

Consider how the society in House of Stairs is characterized in terms of social, economic, and political organization based on the characters’ recollections. In what ways is the society referenced similar to elements of society today? How is it different?

Examine the machine as it relates to each of the three themes. Use textual evidence to support your answer.