4. What does Ben want from his teachers in his senior year, what teacher is going to be a problem with his goal, and why might the teacher be an impediment?

5. How does Ben act when he receives the information from the doctor, and what is his first thought about the information?

6. Where does Ben go after he leaves Dallas's house and what is bothering him?

7. What does Ben do after he leaves the doctor's office upon receiving the bad news and what does he say to the doctor when he returns to his office?

8. What does Ben say about having a terminal illness at such a young age?

9. What are Ben's two other main goals for his senior year besides his academic goal?

10. What does the doctor tell Ben and what does the doctor do to be certain about his information?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Deadline" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Deadline"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Deadline" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Ben doesn't question his choice to avoid treatment, but he's starting to realize that life is bittersweet. Every time he enjoys something, he realizes that the experience comes along with a bit of sadness since it won't last. Since there are so few people in the town, everyone in town is invited, and the music is played to please everyone. Ben looks at everything with a new light and wants to be around longer. He is very aware that this might be the best night of his life. He feels the clash of mortality and immortality as he enjoys the pleasures of the evening while knowing that it won't last and he will soon be gone.

1. Do you think life is balanced by joy and sorrow? Why or why not? Do you think Ben's life has more sorrow than joy? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What do you think are ways one might be able to see life in a new light even if one is not dying? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think something pleasurable is even more so if you know it will last only a short time? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.