Playground: A Novel

In what ways are Rafi and Todd’s fathers alike? How do their sons bond over this similarity? In what ways does it set the stage for the demise of their relationship? Use textual evidence to explore this topic.

Ina is an artist. What does her choice of medium say about her character? How does Powers present Ina overall? Use examples from the text to support your response.

In what ways does the novel’s portrayal of the ocean contrast the underwater world with life on land? Use textual evidence to illustrate your answer.

To what extent do Evelyne’s experiences of misogyny and sexism shape her life? Use textual evidence to examine this topic.

Why does Rafi become obsessed with The Philosophy of the Common Task by Nikolai Fyodorovich Fyodorov? What questions does Fyodorov’s concept of the common task pose for life on Earth?

How does the novel demonstrate Todd’s shallow understanding of Rafi’s true character? Use textual evidence to strengthen your answer.

Todd admits in his narration that he fell in love with Ina. How did this unrequited love affect his future relationships? Refer to key scenes or examples from the text in your response.

Toward the novel’s end, it reveals that large parts of the plot have occurred inside a story that an AI device constructed to comfort Todd. What is the effect of this revelation?