Ender’s Game

By Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card is an award winning science fiction author who grew up in Utah and attended Brigham Young University. There he studied drama, which contributed to his writing of plays. Card had his own theatre company, which was a success for a number of years. He learned to speak Portuguese as a result of his missionary years in Brazil. Now he lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with his wife and children.

Random Terms• Sibling rivalry• Psychotic--• adjective--having or relating to a very serious mental illness that

makes you act strangely or believe things that are not true • sociopath– noun-- someone who behaves in a dangerous or

violent way towards other people and does not feel guilty about such behavior

• Mormon—The Church of Latter Day Saints• Conservative/Family Values/Old-Fashioned Morals• Homophobe--a person who hates or is afraid of homosexuals• Sexist—prejudice against and unfair treatment of someone

because of their gender• Messiah/Savior/Hero• Formic Wars

Genre: Science Fiction

• Science fiction is real future scene fiction which is imaginary but plausible. It offers the reader an objective point of view on the human condition. It depends upon the reader’s “suspension of disbelief” during the work. It should combine new technology with familiar ties to today’s world, but it presents them in a new, innovative way.

Ender's Game is a science fiction novel that tells the story of Andrew Wiggin (nicknamed Ender by his sister, Valentine.) The story takes place on Earth in the future. Earth has been attacked twice by an alien species called Buggers, nearly destroying the human race. Mankind begins training young geniuses to become soldiers and commanders to fight in Earth's defense if the Buggers should ever attack again. Ender is extremely intelligent, and at the age of six years old, he goes to Battle School to be trained. Ender quickly rises to the top in Battle School and begins training in order to command Earth's fleet.

He is a child who is way above the level of all the other children in his school. He finds school extremely boring because he is never challenged (something a LOT of gifted and talented children identify with.) Ender is constantly made fun of because he is a "Third". In the future, families are only allowed to have two children unless they are given permission from the government to have more. The I.F. is looking for the one who has all the right characteristics to lead Earth's fleet. Ender's older siblings Peter, and Valentine, who are just as intelligent as Ender but were rejected for other reasons, are the only reason Ender was allowed to exist. The characters in the book are so believable, and you really care about them. The book is also very good science fiction and has a lot of thought provoking ideas such as the "Ansible" which carries messages across the universe instantly. Ender's Game won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

The Third Formic War

The Buggers have attacked us And now we have to find the Ultimate weapon to defeat them.

We have: A little boy named Andrew Wiggin

How are lies more dependable than the truth?• Discuss government control of family planning decisions.• Compare and contrast the three children in this chapter to children of today.• Discuss Ender’s actions in the fight with Stilson.• Discuss the relationship between Ender and Peter.• What are the “grabbers” that make you want to keep reading?• What makes the characters interesting?

Chapter 1:Third

• In a book with the main character’s name in the title, why is the second chapter about his brother?• What is the significance of “the government” speaking at the start of every chapter?• Discuss Valentine’s role between Ender and Peter?• Predict Valentine’s future role?• Discuss Ender’s ability to be empathetic towards the Buggers.

Chapter 2: Peter

Ender’s parents could choose the sex of theirsecond child. What are the implications of geneticengineering?• Discuss the relationship between Ender, hisfamily, and the government.• Discuss the role of “duty” in people’s lives.

Chapter 3: Graff

Discuss the idea of heroes.• Who is a hero?• What do we expect from our heroes?• Why do people hate those who excel and receive praise?• Discuss “survival of the fittest”.

Chapter 4:Launch

• Why can Ender have friends but not parents?• Why does Ender have to be isolated?• Why do people bully? Why do others follow bullies?• Does the story seem realistic? Do the characters seem realistic? Why or why not?• Why does Ender take on the older boys on the computer games?• Why is unacceptable to be defeated by someone “lower” than you?• Why is younger considered lower?

Chapter 5: Games

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• What do today’s video games teach children? What is harmful? What is beneficial?• What is the point of having to choose between your own death, and killing someone else?• What do we learn about Ender from the last paragraph of this chapter?

Chapter 6: The Giant’s Drink

Chapter 6; The Giant's Drink1. This chapter introduces the virtual reality game

the kids play on their desks, The voices call it the Mind Game. We learn that failure in the game can have serious consequences in the real world. What has happened in some cases?

2. This chapter also introduces the battleroom, where much of the action in the seven chapters will take place. What makes Ender especially able to function in this zero gravity environment? What are the important things he and Alai learn during this first session? How do the suits and the guns work?

3. What are the signs that it is Alai, not Bernard, who is the leader of this launchy group?

4. One of the voices at the beginning said, "That launch is sick, and he (meaning Ender) is the source of the disease." What are the signs of this sickness? How is it cured? What role does Alai play in this?

5. What seems to be the purpose of the Giant's Game? What do the rules appear to be? How does Ender finally get past this part of the mind game? What do you suppose the "lesson" might be?

Define the terms xenophobia and genocide. What would xenocide be?What is the significance of each word in the context of this novel?

Chapter 7: Salamander1. Who does Ender meet in this

chapter? Briefly describe any characters that seem important to you and you would expect to see again.

2. What are the key events in this chapter? By now you will have noticed Card's device of breaking a large chapter up into bite-sized scenes, the breaks being indicated by a line.

3. Speaking with Petra, Ender silently identifies adults as enemies. Is this a logical conclusion for him to have drawn? Explain.

4. In hitting Ender, Bonzo actually loses face rather than keeping it. Ender is right. How does he know it?

5. There is foreshadowing in this chapter. Where do you think it can be found?

Are there “normal” children?• What is “strange” about Ender and his friends?• What makes a good leader?• Why do the children turn into vicious wolves attacking Ender?• Why does Bonzo hate Ender’s kindness so much?• Will anything become of Bonzo’s hatred forEnder?• What does Ender think of valuable possessions?

Chapter 7

Chapter 8: Rat 1. Define the terms xenophobia and genocide.

What is the significance of each word in the context of this novel?

2. How is Ender received by his new army, Rat?

3. On pages 106-111, Dink discusses childhood and the games being played. Summarize his thoughts.

5. The Hegemony and the Strategoi are the political and military leaders of Earth. Why would Anderson leave himself the option of communicating with them?

6. The face in the mirror represents a personal crisis for Ender. Whose face is it? How many other times has he looked deeply at himself and been afraid that this person is who he really is? You need to skim back through all the earlier chapters to get this.

4. This chapter opens with a dialogue between Graff and Anderson. Graff says that "Fairness is a wonderful attribute. it has nothing to do with war." What is the point of their discussion? What decisions are being taken by those who run the Battle School?

Chapter 8• Do children play games fairly?• What are anti-Semites?• Where does their hatred come from?• Why do racism and prejudice continue to thrive?• Does school destroy children like Battle School does in the novel?• Do we hear what people say?• Do we understand what they mean?

Chapter 9: Locke & Demosthenes 1. This is the first chapter in which we

have spent time with someone other than Ender (not counting the chapter openings, of course). What effect does this have on the story?

2. Why did the Wiggin family move to the country? Is it working?

3. What is Peter's scheme and why does Valentine agree to it?

4. What internal crises does Ender face and how does he respond to them?

5. What are the important plot complications in this chapter?6. What is hegemony?7. Why does Graff approach Valentine?8. Summarize the events that occur when Ender plays the mind game.

Chapter 9•What is significant about Peter and his actions?• Why is Peter so dangerous?• Why does Valentine prefer him to others?• What does it mean to have control?• Can control be a gift?• Can parents be manipulated?• Why does Peter believe the world will self-destruct after the threat of the Buggers is over?• Do people need crises to connect them to others?

ansible [an·si·ble] n. 1. a hypothetical communication device capable of delivering sound waves instantaneously 2. a fictional machine that allows faster than the speed of light communication (example: Commander Ender Wiggin used an ansible to communicate with his fleets instantaneously, although they were on the other side of the galaxy.)

Dr. Device—Molecular Detachment Device M. D. This can destroy molecular bonds and gravitational field of a planet and will cause chain reaction of destruction

Deus ex machina—last minute survival ending delivered through “miracle”—like by God.

John Locke - English philosopher of the 18th century, whose work focused on enlightenment, the limits of human knowledge and a study of what he called the social contract between people and their governments, which would have been mostly kings at the time.

Demosthenes - Famous Greek statesman in Athens around the 4th century BC. he wrote speeches arguing that his city-state needed to defend itself against an outside enemy, Philip II of Macedon.

Veni, Vidi, Vici - These words were supposed to have been spoken by the Roman general Julius Caesar and recorded in his journals after he conquered Gaul (France) in 51 BC (or BCE). Literally translated they mean, "I came, I saw, I conquered." This is a rather arrogant statement, indicating that Caesar found it that simple.

Chapter 10: Dragon 1. You may have noticed that Ender is never allowed to become too comfortable before his life is shaken up. What speech of Graff's shows the inner turmoil that he feels about this situation? Why does he do it anyway?2. Ender is given Dragon army. What is the significance of this? How old is he now?3. How is the relationship between Ender and Bean like the relationship between Graff and Ender?4. What are Ender's internal conflicts in this chapter? How does he resolve them?5. The change in Ender's status is demonstrated by the scenes with Alai. Take a look at p. 170 and explain what is happening here.6. What is Ender's vow at the end of the chapter? How does this fit in with Graff's and Anderson's plans for him?

Chapter 11: Veni Vidi Vici pp. 173-1991. Once again we learn things from the opening dialogue.a. What are they planning to do to Ender's army?b. What is Graff worried about?c. What is the political situation back on Earth?2. "My eagerness to sacrifice little children in order to save mankind is wearing thin." Who says this? What does he mean?3. What are the main differences between Ender's strategies for the game and those used by other commanders?4, Ender has two objectives for this first battle. How does he meet them?5. The next battle is against Phoenix Army. What is unusual about the timing of this battle? What happens after this? What has happened to the old ways of the battle School? When did we learn that this was going to happen?

6. Why does Ender decide to start exploring the old videos? What does he learn from them? From whom does he learn strategy?7. What is really unusual about the battle with Salamander Army? "This had not been a fair fight, even though they had won - the teachers had intended them to lose ..."8. What foreshadowing (hint: Bonzo) do you find in this section?9. What is the relationship between Ender and Bean? It's interesting that the last part of this chapter is from Bean's point of view. How does Bean see Ender?10. Ender tells Bean the real purpose of the game. This has been hinted at for us since the opening dialogue for chapter 8. Look back and see how Graff's argument confirms Ender's conclusions. The Game, the standings, the fairness (or unfairness) - none this matters. The Game's purpose is simply to do what?

Chapter 12 - Bonzo 1. There are really three big events in this chapter, though there are some smaller ones that go with them. What are these sections? 2. In some ways this chapter is like chapter one. How?3. As Ender's training continues, the people in charge of the Battle School make some serious changes in how the battles are organized and run. What are the major changes in this chapter?4. What are the reactions shown by the following characters to Ender's demolition of Bonzo: Dink, Bean, Ender, Colonel Anderson.

5. How surprised were you to learn about what actually happened to Bonzo? How much more surprised were you to learn about Stilson? Why did they keep this knowledge from Ender?

Chapter 13 - Valentine1. What is the official reaction to finding out who Locke and Demosthenes are? What are the good and bad points as far as the voices are concerned? (We don't actually know who is talking in this segment.)2. How does Valentine feel about being Demosthenes?3. Why does the IF need Valentine this time? What's wrong with Ender?4. Ender tells you the secret of how he manages to win all the time. What is it? How is this related to Peter's special ability and Valentine's?5. The meeting between Valentine and Ender goes through several stages. Try to break it down into sections. Looking at the issues that Ender raises as reasons should help you.6. After Ender has made up his mind what to do, Graff tries to explain to him why he brought him back to Earth and let him take three months to make up his mind. What connection does Graff want Ender to make?

7. There are a lot of secrets related to this Human-Bugger war. One of them is the place where Ender is going. How is this secrecy underlined for us?8. How did humans learn that faster than light, instant communication was possible?9. What is the secret of the Third Invasion?10. "If the other fellow can't tell you his story, you can never be sure he isn't trying to kill you." Why can't the two races communicate? Why is this important? What are three reasons that have been given for the buggers attacking Earth.11. Valentine says, "Killing's the first thing we learned. And a good thing we did, we'd be dead and the tigers would own the earth."Graff says, "Nature can't evolve a species that hasn't the will to survive ... the race as a whole can never decide not to exist."How does this apply to the decision Ender has to make?

Chapter 14 - Ender's Teacher 1. How is Eros different than the Battle School?- Ender's training?- His social activities?- Opportunities for comradeship?2. How did they manage to keep Mazer Rackham around for 70 years so he could be Ender's teacher? What did it cost him?3. What things did humanity learn from the buggers?4. How did Rackham win the second war?5. Why would buggers not see killing individuals the same way humans would?6. What is Dr, Device?7. After Ender and his squad have been thoroughly trained, Rackham tells him that he will be their enemy in the simulations from now on. What is the truth of this?8. What are some of the signs that the constant pressure is wearing on Ender and his squad leaders?9. Were you surprised to learn the truth behind Enders' mock battles? Graff explains the training strategy on page 298.10. What happens on Earth as soon as the Bugger War is over? Were Peter and Valentine right? Why is Ender potentially in danger?11. The kids finally get to express their opinions at the end of this chapter. What do they think will happen to them?

Mazer Rackham

Chapter 15 - Speaker for the Dead1. Note: This is also the title of the book which continues Ender's story. Card warns you in the introduction to Ender's Game that the other three books (Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind) are quite different. This one sets up situations which will only be fully developed in the next book.2. This chapter begins with another dialogue, only this time it's presented as a regular narrative. Why has the style changed? What important changes are about to take place on Earth?3. Note: On page 309 the squad begins to break up. Earth doesn't get Ender, but all of his squad leaders are taken and used almost as soon as they get back to Earth. For this part of the story, which occurs in between this page and the rest of the book, you will have to read Shadow of the Hegemon and Shadow Puppets. They tell the story of Ender's Dragon, as his battle squad came to be known.4. It's not often that a writer will provide such a long epilogue, or conclusion, at the end of a novel. Generally there's a climax - BANG! - and just a little bit of mopping up afterwards. This is not the case here. What are the significant developments in this chapter?5. Why did Val (using her Demosthenes persona) make it so that Ender could not go back to Earth? What is her plan? What is Ender's objection to it?6. According to the discussion between Val and Ender, how did this book get to be written?7. Eight years after they reach their colony world, Ender gets a big surprise. What is it?8. The Hive Queen's communication with Ender confirms Rackham's theories about why they invaded and takes them a little further. What does Ender learn? What is Ender's response?

The Ender's Shadow Series Box Set: Ender's Shadow, Shadow of the Hegemon, Shadow Puppets, Shadow of the Giant

ThemesThis novel fits into many themes. There are several more themes that are discussed in this novel.1. Lack of communication leads to problems.2. Human nature is to destroy that which we

do not understand.3. Survival of the fittest.4. Humans have a competitive nature.5. People dislike those who excel.6. Adults have strange attitudes towards

children.7. Ignorance is bliss.8. People wear identities and unconsciously

become them.9. People have a killer instinct when

threatened.10. The enemy is the only real teacher.11. Heroes come in all sizes.12. The logic behind censorship.13.The reasons for genetic engineering.

Chapter 1 – Third

1. What attitude motivates the adults to lie to Ender?

2. Explain what it seems to mean for Ender to be born a "Third". Show whether this isa negative or positive fact to:- his parents,- his brother, Peter,- his sister, Valentine, and- his classmates.

Chapter 2 – Peter1. Was Peter joking when he threatened Ender and Valentine? Support your answer with evidence from the novel.

2. Why is Peter’s behavior at the end of the chapter so completely different from the rest of the chapter?

3. How do you feel about each of these characters (Ender, Valentine, Peter)? What did the author do to help create these feelings? Give examples.

Chapter 3 – Graff

1. What did Graff mean about evolution working against girls?

2. Ender is leaving to learn how to fight a war, yet he takes Graff’s hand. Why does Orson Scott Card (OSC) include this action?

Chapter 4 – Launch1. Explain the meaning of the following statement: “Individual human beings are tools that the others use to help us all survive.”2. Explain the following quote: "Isolate him enough that he remains creative -otherwise he'll adopt the system here and we'll lose him." Your answer shouldinclude the terms: isolation, creative, adopt, lose.3. Did Ender mean to break the other boy’s arm? What does this incident tell us aboutEnder? Is it acceptable to do despicable things for survival? Why or why not?

Chapter 5 – Games

1. Ender works hard to express his feelings in private and not show homesickness in front of any other person. Is it healthy for him or not? What is positive and what is negative about showing feelings? What is positive and what is negative about not showing feelings?

2. How did Ender beat Bernard? Is this an unusual solution to his problem?3. List the different coping mechanisms (ways of dealing with difficulties) Ender shows. For each one describe whether the overall result of each is helpful or harmful to Ender.

Antagonists

• Peter• Buggers• Graff• Stilson• Bonzo• The other armies

Protagonists

• Ender• Valentine• Humankind• Graff

Climax

• Ender’s battles, both personal and in the Battlerooms, each end with a climax.

• Mazer Rackham becomes Ender’s mentor. He trains Ender to take command of the fleet and fight the enemy. However, Ender does not know he is being tricked. He isn’t fighting Mazer or the computer, but the real war with real lives.

Denouement

Foreshadowing

• The two voices at the beginning of each chapter.

• Mazer is alive.• Ender’s name.• Gravity concept—down is where you make it;

the Dr. Device.• The ant queen• Children aren’t children—they are soldiers.

Irony

• Appearances v. Reality• Good v. Evil• Children v. Adults• Friends v. Enemies• Buggers v. Humans• Communication• Earth v. Home• Innocent killer• Messiah• Peter vs. Ender—who is good? Who is a killer?

Point of View

• First person, author participant—Ender’s pov• Opening lines from third person, author

omniscient—Graff and others.• One section has Bean’s point of view

Settings

• Our Earth in at least 100 years in the future, after the First Bugger attack, and 80years after Mazer’s attack.

• Earth, Battle School, Command School, Eros

Symbolism—End Game

• Names—Alai, Valentine, Graff, Bugger, Petra, Ender, Peter, Mazer Rackham, names of the armies, Third, the Giant’s Game, the snake, the mirror, Locke, Demosthenes, Dr. Device, ansible, Stilson, Bonzo, Bean, Dink , Eros, the Queen Larva

• Situations—Battlerooms, WarsawPact, raft, the Bugger War, simulation, war games,