Pawn

Questions for Discussion

Do you believe that your life’s work should be determined by a test you take when you’re seventeen?

What kind of job do you think you would be assigned if you took that test now? When you were twenty-five?

If your life was limited by restrictions—your job, the area where you live, having only one child and going Elsewhere when you turn sixty—do you believe you would be eager to achieve and succeed in life?

Kitty’s dyslexia limits her future. Do you think children and teens today who have dyslexia are also under unfair burdens? Do you know people with dyslexia, and how they cope? How do their families and teachers react?

What would you give up to get out of the life that was predicted for you?

Do you believe that life in a meritocracy is “fairer” than one where your family or a lucky break benefits you? What happens if someone plays with the system?

One of the reasons why this America became a meritocracy was overpopulation. Do you think that the strain of overpopulation might lead us in this direction unless changes are made? What can be done to create a better future?

Instead of an elected official, this America has a prime minister, and the role is inherited. How does the idea of one family in power match with the meritocracy in this country?

Kitty gives up her own name and not-so-bright future to take on another girl’s name and family. Would you be willing to give up your own life to live someone else’s?

Even in an ordered society, there are those who find a way to rebel. Do you think Tabs was right to encourage Kitty to follow in her footsteps?

Almost everyone—except for Benjy—is keeping secrets in this book. Are you good at keeping secrets? How would you live with lying to everyone around you?