52 pages • 1 hour read
Kim Stanley RobinsonA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Is New York 2140 a science fiction novel? If so, is it hard or soft science fiction? If not, what genre is it? Why?
What is the role of the anonymous character known as The Citizen? Is he a stand-in for the author? A voice for time, the earth, or New York City? Something else? Use textual evidence to support your theory.
Jeff’s anger towards the world’s wealthiest people makes him blur vengeance and justice. How do other characters in the novel distinguish these two concepts? What are some examples of either justice or vengeance being served?
Why does Amelia believe it is important to help animals migrate? Why do other environmentalist groups instead believe in “purity”? Are there similar scientific debates happening in our world today?
Why does Amelia believe it is important to help animals migrate? Why do other environmentalist groups instead believe in “purity”? Are there similar scientific debates happening in our world today?
The Citizen states that there are no happy endings and warns that humanity will continue to make mistakes that destroy the planet. Do you share his pessimism? Why or why not?
Why is Franklin’s romance with Charlotte the capstone to his moral and ethical transformation? Is being responsible for rehabilitating him a job she wants? Why or why not?
What parallels do you see between the refugee crisis in the novel, and the challenges facing immigrants and refugees in the world today?
Why does Franklin reject Hector’s investment in his eelgrass housing project? Is it reasonable or unreasonable to use the money of someone only investing for financial gain rather than social welfare?
Why does Jeff’s version of revolution fail while Amanda, Franklin, and Charlotte’s one succeeds?
By Kim Stanley Robinson