Ender's+Game+Discussion

The second book sophomores read this year was Ender's Game. When Ender is sent off to train to do battle against the Buggers, he is met by a series of bullying incidents that cause him to reconsider if he even wants to be trained. Our discussion focuses on how Ender's response is very typical of a boy who is bullied. At first he wants to withdraw as he feels lonely and vulnerable. Then he turns to anger and lashes out at innocent people. Finally, he is able to rely on a few allies who help him realize how immoral the bullying is.

This theme ties into the over-arching theme of sophomore year: The Hero's Journey

When the hero begins her journey, there is a stage of "identity in doubt" that frequently results in being a victim.

I have not overtly connected the framework we discussed today to the hero's journey, but there seem to be several connections...something for me to think about.