Sphere

The novel initially suggests that the team believes the unknown spacecraft is alien. How does this suggestion inform their response? How does it leave the characters open to the possibility the sphere is also of alien origin? Do they reach this conclusion too quickly? Explain, using textual evidence.

At the beginning of the novel, Norman’s focus is on his family and the tension that being called away days before the Fourth of July places on his marriage. What does this connection to his family say about Norman’s character? How does it inform his behavior as the plot develops? Does his focus change as events transpire within the plot? Explain, using textual evidence.

The tension between Harry and Ted continues throughout the novel. What causes it? How does each character respond to this tension? How does it distract from the expedition’s purpose? What does this tension indicate about the relationship between Ted and Harry?

Beth automatically sees malice in every interaction with men. How does this manifest in her interactions with Barnes? How does it later change the relationship between her and Norman? How does her behavior in this regard inform her manifestations when she gains power from the sphere?

Crichton has a medical school degree and a personal interest in the paranormal. How is his background in science inform the novel’s plot? How does he use his interest in the paranormal to explore aspects of the unconscious mind?

What is Jerry? Why does the team accept his existence so quickly? How does this quick acceptance delay Norman’s revelation about Jerry’s true nature? What clues in the interaction between Jerry and Norman allow him to eventually understand the truth about Jerry’s nature?

Examine one of the novel’s more minor themes (other than those identified in this guide). Use examples from the novel to develop and support your conclusions.

Norman discusses the subconscious and his experience exploring his own subconscious. What does this mean? How Norman’s experience provide an advantage over the power the sphere gives him? Examine his experience with the sphere’s power, comparing it to Harry and Beth’s experience with it, using textual evidence to support your observations.