These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Imagine that you are the leader of a mission sent to test the habitability of a distant planet. There are two species of intelligent life indigenous to this planet. One lives in large groups, has relatively sophisticated weapons, and controls many of the planet’s resources. The other species lives in small, scattered settlements and has a culture that seems strange and rudimentary to you. For instance, they do not seem to make or use weapons at all. As the leader of a group of humans that needs resources to survive, will you treat these two species differently, or the same? What does your answer have to do with your beliefs about the intrinsic value of life? What does your answer have to do with how much empathy you’re capable of?

Teaching Suggestion: Use this prompt to guide students to start thinking about The Consequences of French Colonialism in Algeria. Let students know that they will be reading a book that takes place in Algeria at the time of French colonization, and that the main character will be a Frenchman whose actions are not really guided by loyalty to either side--that is, he will be like someone just trying to survive in a world that has a powerful group and a less powerful group.