Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is terrorism? What are the different types of terrorism, and how have they affected international politics and diplomatic relations today?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the novel’s theme of Terrorism: Pre- and Post-9/11 in the context of 20th- and 21st-century world history. Terrorism involves violent acts against society in order to advance a political purpose. With the increase of both technological advancement and relations amongst nation-states on a global scale, global terrorism has become a primary concern for many world superpowers in regard to safety and security. Most notably, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US marked a notable shift in international diplomacy, as most Western superpowers became increasingly concerned about domestic safety, particularly from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. More nuanced forms of violence and control include bioterrorism and cyberterrorism. For a more collaborative Short Answer prompt, consider preparing a list of different types of terrorism in advance for students to research and/or define in groups. They might then share their findings with the class.