The Girl Who Owned a City

An important tension in the novel is that of individualism versus collectivism. While the novel generally argues in favor of individualist principles, the relationship between these is often complicated. In what ways do these two values conflict or overlap with one another throughout the novel?

Lisa argues quite forcefully for the value of earning one’s own way through life. From whom does she face opposition on this point? What values do they hold, and to what extent might their perspective be valuable?

Although Craig and Lisa often agree on big-picture ideals, Craig ultimately chooses not to return to Glenbard; instead, he and his sister remain on the farm in order to work for themselves. What values do Craig and Lisa hold? In what ways are these values similar? How are they different?

Craig accuses Lisa of inviting problems to her own door when he tells her that she builds great things that others want to take. Is Craig right? Is this trade-off worth it? Why or why not?

Lisa must effectively rebuild a society following the plague; her version begins first with defense, then adds on other necessities once the neighborhood’s safety and security are established. If you were in Lisa’s position, how would you go about rebuilding society? If you, like Craig, would choose not to, why wouldn’t you want to do so?

When we first encounter her, Lisa has already been forced to mature so that she can take care of Todd. Todd, on the other hand, begins the novel quite young and still rather childish. How do we see Todd grow over the course of the novel? In what ways does he demonstrate maturity in the final two sections? In what ways is he still childlike?

Through the first half of the novel, we frequently see Lisa telling Todd stories to help him get to sleep. Each of these stories elaborates on an important theme or concept in the novel. What concepts does each story connect to? What lessons is Lisa attempting to impart to Todd?

In many ways, the novel argues for a practical approach to life; however, this is counterbalanced by frequent bouts of idealism, especially from Lisa. In what ways is Lisa practical? In what ways is she idealistic? Would you characterize her as more of one or the other? If so, which one, and why?