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Study Guide

Invitation to the Game

byMonica Hughes

Name: ___________________________________

Journal ResponsesAll journal responses for this unit must be titled “ITTG” and the journal number. Your journals will be assessed according to how well you do the following:

Provide a thoughtful opinion Provide backing for your opinion (quotes, examples,

stories, etc.) Explain your opinion and backing Use detail (the reader should be able to “see” what you

mean without having to ask you) Make connections to real-life experiences and events, as

well as other movies and books

ITTG Journal #1 (due: __________________________; deadline: ________________________)Discuss: How important is freedom and freedom of choice to a person’s happiness and satisfaction with life?

Genre DiscussionA “genre” is a class or category of literature. The novel Invitation to the Game is classified as a science fiction novel.Many people believe that “science fiction” simply refers to stories that take place in outer space, such as stories like Star Wars. This is not the case. Essentially, science fiction stories include the following characteristics:

It takes scientific ideas and expands or develops them in a fictional world.

If often tries to answer the question “What if?” What if people created robots so advance that they developed consciousness? What if humans could be cloned?

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It has roots in reality, or at least have significant elements found in the everyday reality of the audience.

It includes elements of “dissociation,” meaning some element or elements that are profoundly alien to the reality of the audience.

Choose any science fiction television show. You might consider any of the Star Trek shows, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Dr. Who, Stargate, Continuum, Orphan Black, Watch one episode of the show, and answer the questions on the following page.Elements of Science Fiction Stories

(due: __________________________; deadline: ________________________)

TV Series: _______________________________________________________________

Episode Name: ___________________________________________________________

Roots in Reality: Most science fiction stories begin in reality, or at last have significant elements found in the everyday reality of the audience. List elements in the TV show that you could find in your everyday life.

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Dissociaton: Something that is “profoundly alien to the reality of the intended audience…something that is purposefully and fundamentally different from the audience’s accepted reality” (David Louis Edelman, “The Two Elements Common to All Science Fiction Stories,” 2006). List all the elements of dissociation in your chosen TV show.

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Importance of Science: In all sci-fi stories, scientific discovery and advancement is important to the story somehow. Describe how and where this is present in your TV show.

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What If: Most sci-fi stories try to answer the “what if” question…what if people created robots that developed consciousness? What if humans could be bio-engineered? What is the “what if?” question in this episode of your TV show?

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ITTG Journal #2 (due: _________________________; deadline: ________________________)Imagine you are about to graduate from high school with an 80% average. You are not given the freedom to choose whether you will go to university or college, or seek employment. Instead, you are assigned an activity by the government. Unfortunately, there is huge unemployment and only 10% of your graduating class will go on to post-secondary or get a job. The other 90% will be out of luck.On graduation day you are given an envelope. Inside it says: “Enjoy your leisure years! Use them creatively!” You are then taken to a place where other unemployed people live and scrounge out an existence. You must live where you are told to live, and are not allowed to travel; you are not given much in the way of choice.Discuss the following questions in your response journal:

1. What are you thinking and feeling when you get this notice?

2. How do you react to what the government has decided for you?

3. What will you do about it?4. What will you do with the rest of your life?5. How does it feel not to have a choice?

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Chapter QuestionsNone of these questions are worth marks, BUT you will have open-book quizzes during the course of this unit, and your questions will help you greatly in these quizzes.Chapter 1 Questions and VocabularyTricky Vocabulary as I’m Reading:

1. Why is the title of Chapter 1 “The Last Rites”?

2. Give an example of simile from page 2.

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3. How had the old building “lost its elegance”? (3)

4. What was significant about Lisse’s graduate year? (i.e. number)

5. Define “plummeted.” (4)

6. What is wrong with robots taking over the jobs that used to be performed by humans, according to Lisse? (6)

7. Define “drone.” (7)

8. Which bus number is Lisse on? Where is she headed?

9. Where is Rich off to? What kind of person is he? (i.e. what’s annoying about him?)

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10. Define “façade.” (9)

11. What happened to the landscape as the bus moved from the school to the City?

12. Give an example of personification from page 11.

13. What happens on page 12? Who comes to stop the violence?

14. Define “oblong.” (13)

15. How is the word “warmth” personified on page 14. Why?

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16. How did the group protect the elevator leading to their dwelling? (23-24)

17. What became the favourite pastime for each of these people:

Lisse

Karen

Brad

18. What was Lisse’s private dream? (26)

19. What was different about living with each other in the D.A. as compared to what it had been like back in school? (27)

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20. “We were becoming dangerously ingrown.” What does this mean? (28)

Chapter 2 QuestionsTricky Vocabulary as I’m Reading:

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1. What is significant about the first line of this chapter?

2. Where did the group end up on page 30? What did they get instead of coffee?

3. Define “extravagance.” (31)

4. What type of clothing were people wearing in the establishment? (31)

5. What is wrong with Barb on page 32?

6. Why did the group get in trouble on page 34?

7. Define “inconspicuously.” (35)

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8. “Maybe boredom was aging.” (35) Why do you think Lisse fears aging?

9. Who is Charlie? What does he know about that Lisse wants to know? (36)

10. What does he want to trade for information about “The Game”? (37)

11. On page 39, what is the “propaganda tool” used by the Thought Police? What does it do for the “unemployed masses”? What other ancient culture did this as well?

12. Define “incredulously.” (40)

13. What was wrong with unemployeds having access to computers? (40-41)

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14. What is a “portcullis”? Why is the group making one? (42-43)

15. Define “sordid.” (45)

16. How did the group defeat Charlie’s thugs? (46)

17. Describe the symbolism of “Cold Water” as used on page 48. (What does this sentence mean?)

18. Define “garnish.” (49)

19. What had the “little man” tried to do on page 50?

20. What did the Invitation to the Game come with? (53)

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1. Who did Lisse suspect might be responsible for the group’s curiosity for The Game? (54)

2. How is the word “confidence” described on page 55? Why is it described as such?

3. What does the man called the unemployed on page 56?

4. What does the girl on the train reveal to Lisse about the nature of The Game? (57) What is she surprised about at the top of page 58?

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5. What was the name of the station where they were led? (58)

6. Define “anteroom.” (59)

7. What does the Game Manager offer as an explanation of The Game? (60) How does this differ from an earlier 20th century game? What was that game called?

8. Where does Lisse find herself when she awakened? (62) Describe the atmosphere of this place.

9. Name an idiom from the top of page 63. (An idiom is a saying which uses words that cannot be understood from their normal meaning.)

10. What would a “terse word” be described as on page 64?

11. How is Lisse injured at the bottom of page 64?

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12. How was Paul going to help the group in The Game? (66)

13. Find an example of alliteration from the middle of page 66.

14. How does Lisse exit from The Game? (68)

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1. What dud Lisse suspect happened to her at the beginning of the chapter?

2. Define “mesa.” (68)

3. Give an example of personification from page 70.

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4. What is the government’s solution to overcrowding? (70)

5. What was the privilege that only workers had? (71) How does this particularly annoy Lisse? (hint- her dream)

6. What is Lisse afraid might happen to the unemployed if the government plan doesn’t work out? (71)

7. What does Lisse suspect really happened to the group during The Game?

8. What does Scylla say about the danger of questioning The Game? (73)

9. Look on pages 73-74. What does the group do on their first day after The Game? How has it impacted their group dynamic? (i.e. How has it changed the way they operate as a collective, as opposed to when they were just a “nuisance” to each other before The Game.)

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10. What does Brad and Alden get the group to do in preparation for the next trip to Barton Oaks? (75)

11. How had arguments changed between Paul & Trent and Brad & Alden? (75)

12. Where had the group been placed upon arrival at The Game the second time? How was this eerie considering their preparation plans? (76)

13. Find an example of a simile from the bottom of page 76.

14. Define “ellipse.” (78)

15. What mortal danger does the group face at the bottom of page 79? Where do they end up as a result?

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16. Why does did the group need to sell Scylla’s paintings and Brad’s carvings? (80)

17. What was the big “NO” the group received from the game manager? (81)

18. Define “arid.” (82)

19. What takes the group out of The Game this time? (84)

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1. What the heck does the title of the chapter mean? (Wait until you get to the end of the chapter before you answer this! Hint – page 91)

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2. What was “decaying” on page 86?

3. Who showed up at the apartment? How is this ironic, considering where they left him earlier in the book? (i.e. what was he bragging about in chapter 1?)

4. Give two words on page 87 that rhyme with “fizzle.” Which two words might the scond word be a combination of? (Think of the first one plus another.)

5. How has Lisse’s perception of Rich changed? (88)

6. How does Lisse resue Rich (and ultimately the whole group) from leaving on page 89? What does this reveal about her character? (i.e. what type of person is she?)

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7. What is Rich going to be needed for in The Game? (90)

8. What does Rich call Lisse on page 90? How does he explain the green substance in Scylla’s hair?

9. Who does Rich suspect brought him to the D.A.? (91)

10. Find an idiom from the 3rd to last paragraph on page 93.

11. Find a simile from the middle of page 94.

12. Who does the group find a new invitation for in page 95?

13. Who brings her to the apartment? (97) Why? (98)[22]

14. After reading what she brought with her, what might her talent be for the group in The Game?

15. What does she accuse Lisse of doing to bring her to The Game? (Hint – last sentence on page 101)

Dystopian LiteratureA “utopia” is a place or time when everything is perfect. The politics, the laws, the customs and the conditions in which people live are ideal.A “dystopia” is the opposite of this. Dystopias are set in dome future time when everything has gone wrong and life is far from ideal. Instead, the people are rigidly and oppressively controlled. They are exaggerated worst-

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case scenarios, and in literature, they often criticize some current trend, societal norm, or political system.

CharacteristicsNot all of these must be contained in every dystopian novel. Check off those that apply to this novel. Discuss and be prepared to give an example from the novel to support your opinion. Space is provided on the next page for notes and examples.

use of propaganda to control citizens Information, independent thought, and personal

freedoms are restricted. A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens

of the society. Citizens believe they are under constant surveillance. People fear the outside world. People live in a dehumanized state. The natural world is distrusted. People must conform to uniform expectations.

Individuality and opposition are punished or considered bad.

Society is an illusion of a utopian world. (Citizens believe it is a utopia, but it’s really not.)

Invitation to the Game as Dystopian Literature

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In what ways does this novel fit the criteria for dystopian literature? Give evidence from the novel for each of the criteria.

Use of propaganda to control citizens____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Information, independent thought and freedom are restricted____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A figurehead of concept is worshipped by the citizens____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Citizens have a fear of the outside world____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Citizens live in a dehumanized state____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The natural world is banished or distrusted____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Citizens conform to uniform expectations____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Society is an illusion of a utopian world.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How people are controlled in a dystopian world

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Most dystopian worlds have oppressive societal controls of people while they try to maintain the illusion of a perfect society. Which of these types of controls are maintained in this novel? Check the ones that apply, and then discuss and be prepared to defend your answer with examples. Space is provided below for examples and notes.

Corporate control – one or more large companies control society through products, advertising, and/or the media. Examples include the films The Running Man and Minority Report.

Bureaucratic control – society is controlled by a political system that is dominated by regulations, rules and red tape, and is run by incompetent or mindless government officials. Examples include the film Brazil.

Technological control – society is controlled by technology, through computers, robots, and/or scientific means. Examples include the films The Matrix, The Terminator, and I, Robot.

Philosophical or religious control – society is controlled through ideology that is often enforced through dictatorship or a theologically controlled government.

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The Dystopian ProtagonistThe protagonist of dystopian literature often has the following characteristics. Which of these does Lisse feel or experience, and what causes those feelings or actions? Check those that apply, and dicsuss and be prepared to defend your answers. Have specific quotes (and page numbers) ready to use in your defense. Space is provided below for examples, quotes, and notes.

The prtoagonist feels trapped and is struggling to escape.

She questions the existing social and political system.

The main character believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with society.

Through her actions, words, and thoughts, the protagonist helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through her perspective.

Dystopian literature often points out problems in our contemporary society by exaggerating them. What problems in our society does this novel point out and exaggerate? What is your evidence of this?

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1. Define “vociferous.” (102)

2. Why did Lisse try to resist the reality if The Game when she first awoke here? (103)

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3. What does Lisse remember as she eats the nuts on the ground? Is this foreshadowing? Why?

4. What does Lisse think The Game is? Do you think she is right?

5. Find the alliteration at the bottom of page 106.

6. Why is Rich having a hard time seeing all this as real? (107) Think of what you know of his personality.

7. Define “reticence.” (107)

8. How did Rich, Katie and Benta partner up? (108)

9. What does Katie build on page 109?

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10. Why is Lisse afraid of “solving” The Game? (i.e. winning it) (110)

11. Define “raucously.” (111)

12. What was Lisse supposed to get on page 111? Did she succeed?


1. Where did the group wake up this time?

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2. Define “translucent.” (114)

3. Who, on page 115, gives the first indication that this time The Game is different from the other times? What does Lisse notice on page 116?

4. Name two things different about The Game as discussed by Scylla and Lisse on page 116.

5. What dies Rich still believe? (117)

6. What does the group hear for the first time? (118) Why is this odd?

7. Who does Rich suggest might be “running” The Game? (120)

8. What was “ridiculously expensive”? (121)

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9. How does Lisse account for the level of difficulty the group now faces in The Game? (121)

10. How had Rich’s previous experience helped the group avoid trouble now? (123)

11. Define “obstinate.” (123)

12. What does Lisse use for fishing line on page 125?

13. What is Rich asked to do on page 127?

14. What did Katie find on page 128? What uses will this have?

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15. Locate the example of personification at the top of page 129.

16. How does Rich save Lisse on page 131?

17. Define “tendrils.” (132)

18. What does Brad suggest at the end of the chapter?


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1. Define “resilience.” (134)

2. What does Rich sat The Game is on the top of page 135? How does he explain it?

3. How does Lisse feel after Rich explains himself? (135)

4. How do Karen and Benta react to Rich’s explanation? (136)

5. Where does Paul say they might be? (136)

6. What is Brad’s reaction to all the speculation? (136)

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7. What was Scylla attempting to do after the group starts bickering? (137)

8. Define “cajoled.” (137)

9. Who were the three “dissidents”? (137)

10. How does Benta suggest the group find food on page 138?

11. What is the group building on page 139?

12. What had Lisse never seen Benta be before? (140) What type of friend is Benta most likely?

13. How was Benta growing into the group on page 141?[35]

14. What does Katie suggest they use kaolin for? (141)

15. How does Lisse reveal her inner nature of goodwill towards other creatures on page 142?

16. Why does Benta “hiss” at Lisse? (Hint – Is she used to killing animals? From where?) (142)

17. What does Alden think? (143)

18. What is a “luxury” to Benta? (144)

19. What does Brad decide to do on the bottom of page 144? How does this affect Karen?

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20. What was Paul’s “fatal suggestion”? (145)

21. Find the simile in the middle of page 146.

22. What does the group realize at the end of the chapter?

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1. What are the stages of denial? (148)

2. Find the simile on page 148.

3. What was Scylla’s only denial? (150)

4. What does Lisse realize about the group’s life at the bottom of page 150?

5. What was Katie denying? (151)

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6. What did the group have to find for answers to their questions? (152)

7. Define “natal.” (153)

8. What does Rich STILL believe? (153)

9. Define “marginally.” (155)

10. Identify the personification at the top of page 156.

11. Why do you think Scylla likes to take Lisse fishing? (156)

12. What does Aiden tell the group at the top of page 157? How is this going to be helpful?

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13. What thought was “no longer terrifying, but comforting”? (157)

14. What was the “old world” compared to on pages 157-158?

15. How had the group been picked for The Game? (158) What makes Lisse angry at the top of page 159?

16. Lisse describes each person’s “discovered” role in the new world. Make a list of what each person was there for. (159-161)Alden

Brad

Scylla

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Paul

Katie

Karen

Trent

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1. Why is the title of chapter 10 “Prize”?

2. “Each day is even more worth living.” What does Lisse mean by this? (166)

3. Define “arduous.” (166)

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4. Why does the group need more baking bricks? What will this help them get from the planet? (167)

5. What was “the end of the line” for humankind as described by Lisse on page 168? What was the government’s response? Why is this so ironic to Lisse?

6. Why do you think Lisse enjoys food so much now? (169) (Hint – look at the paragraph before.)

7. Why do you think the group makes banners? (170)

8. What prompted the group to set out, and inadvertently, meet another group on the planet? (171)

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9. Where do they discover the other group? How is this ironic, considering where they were the couple of times they played The Game?

10. Find the example of personification on pages 173-174.

11. Who is Lisse’s husband? (174) Where had his group started in The Game?

12. Why had the robots scattered the groups apart from each other? (174)

13. What is the “something wonderful” that Lisse and her husband feel the planet has shown them? (175)

14. How does Lisse make clothes? (176)[44]

15. After viewing who the couples were on page 177, do you think that it’s really possible that robots could pair people up so perfectly? Why or why not?

16. What is the gift Lisse is making for her unborn child? (178)

17. What is ironic about the last line of the novel?

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Glossary of Literary Terms

Alliteration

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Idiom

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Personification

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Simile

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Symbolism

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