Eleven

Pick two settings in the novel, such as the Douglas home, Manhattan, various empty lots, the playground, or Mac’s house. How do these settings impact the narrative? Consider the settings’ roles in establishing tone, themes, conflict, and foreshadowing in your response.

There are many coincidences in the novel, including that the terrorist attack occurs on Alex’s 11th birthday, Alex finds a dog that Mac happens to know, and Alex’s father and Mac’s son have similar characteristics. What is the relationship between coincidence and tragedy in the novel? How do these coincidences impact the plot and the novel’s central themes?

Resilience is often used to describe people who survive traumatic experiences. Based on Rogers’ novel, how would you define this word? What character(s) best exemplifies this trait? Why?

Alex’s mom tries to shield her children from knowing about the terrorist attacks. Later, Alex makes up a story to prevent his little sister from learning about the tragedy. Based on their behavior in the narrative, are Alex and Nunu too young to know about the attacks? What does the novel suggest about the concept of protecting children’s innocence in the face of tragedy?

Alex matures significantly throughout the narrative, in keeping with the Bildungsroman genre. In this genre, a young person learns life lessons from mentors and role models. Pick at least two characters who help Alex grow throughout the novel. What do these characters teach him? How do they help him mature?

Eleven demonstrates that heroism is a trait all people can possess, and it manifests in different ways. The Man in the White Shirt and the first responders are heroic in their response to the attacks in Manhattan. Evaluate the characters who are not at Ground Zero. Who best demonstrates heroic qualities? Why?

There are many symbols in the text. Choose a symbol not addressed in the guide and analyze what it represents. Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Cake is a motif that recurs throughout the text. When does Alex encounter cake and cupcakes? How does the meaning of this motif change as the narrative progresses?