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 the meaning of the expression “life imitates art?” Can you think of an example of life imitating art?

Teaching Suggestion: Station Eleven is named after a comic book series in the novel. The comic series parallels the life of the characters in Mandel’s novel and relates to the theme of The Relationship Between Art and Life. It may be helpful to discuss the various ways life imitates art and some inventions inspired or created by authors' imaginings.

• This article describes some technological advances that seem to mirror science fiction.
• This video includes some of the unusual ways life has imitated art.

2. What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic? Name some notable pandemics that have occurred throughout history. What are the societal consequences of a pandemic?

Teaching Suggestion: Station Eleven is set in a post-apocalyptic world following a worldwide pandemic. The effects of the Georgia Flu on society are catastrophic for the characters in the novel. Students may benefit from discussing the various pandemics throughout history and their consequences on society.