Once he is at the laboratory in Nevada, Jack learns that Julia treated the swarm like a pet and encouraged it with toys and games. How is her treatment of the swarm different than what she shows to her real children? How would you describe Julia’s parenting style in the novel?

Jack reflects that parasitism and symbiosis are often the cornerstones of evolutionary development. Compare two examples of symbiotic relationships found in the novel and explore the developments they bring about.

Most of Julia’s interactions with Jack are irritable, defiant, or even hostile, and Jack suspects this is due to a secret she is keeping. Compare and contrast the consequences to keeping secrets—in both romantic and business relationships—that Crichton explores.