These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Generally speaking, how do you think people respond to crises? Do they try to help others, or do they put their own survival and well-being before everything else?

Teaching Suggestion: The Girl Who Owned a City harkens to a philosophical tradition that sees humans as basically selfish—even to the point they will hurt others if it serves their own interests. Whether this view of human nature is accurate is debatable, but it has inarguably shaped the development of Western, capitalist democracies. Use this prompt to spark discussion not only about what students believe people are like deep down but also about the implications of that for government, society, etc., connecting to themes of Individualism Versus Collectivism, Idealism Versus Practicality, and The Nature of Proper Governance.

Helpful links:

• “state of nature”: Encyclopædia Britannica entry explaining the views of three influential philosophers—John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau—on what humans are like in the absence of society
• “Are People Naturally Inclined to Cooperate or Be Selfish?”: 2014 Scientific American article by Matthew Robison outlining the scientific research on “true” human nature
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