In Chapter 2, Hayles asserts that we are currently undergoing a shift from the paradigm of presence/absence to one of pattern/randomness. She argues that though information is often perceived as a pattern, the concept of randomness is just as important to understanding information. The two work as complements to convey information. In Oryx and Crake, we see the catastrophic effects of attempting to regulate the world’s informational patterns. Bobkittens, for example, have adapted to attack larger creatures, not just the rabbits they were meant to hunt. The Children of Crake, however, appear to adhere to Crake’s exact conception of them. Of these situations, one free of randomness and the other governed by it, which is closer to the posthuman concept? Further, what is Atwood saying about the necessity of randomness?

In Chapter 2 of Hayles’ book she talks briefly about the idea of language as a code (in a word processor), as a close relationship between the physical form of the printed words and the ideas that they invoke. How does Atwood’s use of language and word choice help to transmit her ideas, making the story and characters more relevant to us as readers?

In merely the introduction of Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood’s unique second person writing style shines through, with particular diction like “wish-wash, wish-wash.” How does this tone help portray the story behind Snowman’s posthuman concept and all of the complications that come with it?

In Battlestar Galactica, the audience knows certain information before the characters do, like that cylons can look completely human. In Moon, the audience remains completely unaware of any information that Sam does not know, and only learns it once he does. How does this change in perspective facilitate connecting the dots of how the posthuman functions and what will happen?

If culture “can be interpreted through its representations of monstrosity” (Graham 60) then what does the Cylon threat in Battlestar Galactica say about our culture?

By the end of the novel, it is revealed that Hailsham was a failed attempt to show the clones (post/humans) more humanity due to a change in peoples attitudes towards them. Furthermore, Kathy and Tommy’s goal of getting a deferral was denied although they were clearly in love. What do you think these dystopian endings for the characters reveal about the book and what the author is trying to convey?

In Never Let Me Go The main characters never try to escape their fate of an early death (Although, the could easily attempt to disappear into society). Instead they hope only for postponement thought a deferral and, ultimately, accept their fate when postponement is denied. Why do you think this is?

In Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” Kathy’s role as a carer and her donors is a focus of the story from line one, but the actual role is not explained (at least not in the first half of the book). As we discover what carers and donors are we’re also subject to falsehoods about the role, such as “zipping” and with our limited knowledge our confusion about the roles grow. The hinting at meaning and assuming the reader has prior context of a role seems to parallel her own knowledge of herself, and her purpose, as she was growing up at Hailsham. Why do you think Ishiguro chose to obscure carers and donors? And are there any roles, or words, in today’s society that we speak of but don’t explain?

In Part One of Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, the narrator primarily focuses on flashbacks, some of which she doesn’t even remember many details of. Throughout these retellings, Ishiguro utilizes the second person, often calling us [the reader] to attention. What is the purpose of this stylistic choice and what significance do you think telling these stories first bear?

Get yourself acquainted with the way I’ve structured the course by investigating the course blog, where you should be able to find enough to give you an impression of the class before we meet in late August. The course description (“our course” in the blog menu) and syllabus (“policies” and “schedule” in the blog menu) are posted, and there you’ll see that most of our coursework will be done here on the blog site–but with papers submitted, and related comments and grades posted, in OAKS. Take a look around, get familiarized, and I look forward to seeing you on August 25 (after missing the first day of class–more on that in an email, which will also indicate the password for those pages that are password protected).

Feel free, please, to contact me with any questions that might arise before the first day: seamanm[at]cofc.edu.