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2. In what year or decade do you think Little Brother takes place? Cite passages from the novel to support your answer. Do you think the story could happen today? Why or why not?

3. Is Marcus a good kid or a bad kid? Can he be defined by either of those terms? How might Marcus describe his code of ethics regarding being "surveyed" and his right to circumvent the efforts of the surveyors? How might you define the "moral dilemma" of reprogramming RFIDs, as explained in the novel?

4. Describe Marcus's capture and imprisonment. What happens to Darryl? What conclusions does Marcus reach about his government and his community as a result of his imprisonment?

5. What does Marcus's refusal to give passwords to and answer questions from government interrogators reveal about his character? How are passwords a recurring motif in the novel?

6. How does the author use Marcus's mother and father to represent different points of view about government oversight of individuals? Which parent best represents your perspective?

7. Does the media overemphasize identity theft and internet predators while underplaying the danger of being "watched" by legal government and corporate agencies through credit card use, transportation monitoring, etc.? How has this imbalance occurred and is surveillance the greater danger?

8. "Don't Trust Anyone Over 25" becomes an XNet motto and then a merchandized slogan. How does today's internet quicken public adoption of new ideas? Is this a good thing, a dangerous thing, or both?

9. How does Marcus's physical relationship with Ange affect his actions and attitudes? Is the absence of physical contact an important consideration when studying the internet? Do people treat others the same way in internet conversations as they do face-to-face? If not, what are the differences?

10. Is widely disseminated information always less lethal than a carefully kept secret (e.g., a how-to on weapons building or an encryption method)? Is this a great paradox of the information age?

11. Are government attempts to "protect" citizens through surveillance ridiculous to anyone with an understanding of security technology? Would America be safer if all of its citizens learned more about the computers upon which they rely? How else could/should America be made safe? By whom? From whom?

12. What is Marcus's job at the end of the novel? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages, satisfactions and frustrations of this job? Is it important to have people like Marcus on the internet? Why or why not?

13. How do the afterwords affect your reading of Little Brother? Has the experience of reading this book changed your understanding of—or your standards for—security, privacy, and freedom? If so, how?

This book is on these lists:

books I want by michaelpagz

All lists >>

• January 2012 Indie Next List
• December 2011 Indie Next List
• November 2011 Indie Next List