The Eleventh Plague

Stephen’s grandfather dies before the novel opens, but he is still a prominent character. How does he influence the narrative? What does this say about the theme of abuse and trauma?

What imagery does Hirsch use to develop the setting of Settler’s Landing? How does this contribute to the tension between fantasy and reality in the Landing—i.e., the preservation of “traditional” American life versus the reality of the apocalypse?

How does the novel treat female characters or persons of color (such as Jenny or Sam)? How does this relate to its overall point about Traditionalism Versus Toxic Nostalgia in American Culture?

Consider the motif of books. Which particular books does the novel mention, and why are they significant?

What aspect(s) of religion does the Henry family represent? Is there a tension between this and the community’s decision to build a church at the end of the novel?

Why does enslavement play such a key role in the novel? How does it intersect with the novel’s depiction of America?

How does the novel use brand names (Starbucks, etc.) to build the setting? How does this contribute to the tone and mood of the book?

Choose any two characters from the novel and compare and contrast their responses to the Collapse. What does each response show about these characters as individuals? What does it show about humanity as a whole?