1. Describe the argument between the sighted leader of the blind at the gates of University Tower and the sighted leaders of the sighted colony at the university.

2. What surprises Josella about her actions when she was captive?

3. Describe the circumstances that resulted in Bill's hospitalization.

4. Describe the walking style of a triffid.

5. Explain Vorless' opinion on the new role of men and women in society.

6. Describe the scene where the narrator first learns of the blindness that plagues mankind.

7. What are the potential uses of satellites, according to Bill?

8. Explain why Bill feels a sense of relief at his new situation?

9. Explain the irony of the blind man Bill finds in Chapter Three, who was blind before the comet.

10. Following the witness of a couple committing suicide, Bill admits to himself that he must 'grow a hide'. Explain his meaning.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Emergency Council of Britain proposes to establish military rule over the colonies of England and to force them into servitude for the masses. In short, the able are tasked to care for the disabled, even at the risk of their own health and welfare. Such a concept is somewhat socialistic in nature. Do you think such a plan is feasible or fair? Why or why not? Do you think Bill's farm could support so many individuals? Why or why not? Do you think the Emergency Council's concept that they need to be ready for other nations to attempt to over run England is realistic? Why? Why does Wyndham include such ideas at the end of the novel? What does the Emergency Council likely represent?

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of the triffid in the novel? How does the author seem to imply the triffid was created? What does this symbolize in terms of the culture of Wyndham's time? What was he trying to say about biological tampering and the creation of government-born viruses and mutations? Why was this a point at the time the novel was written? Be sure to include details from the book to explain your answers and to justify your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

There is a constant theme in the novel that even the best intentions can result in horrific results. Choose one example of this from the following list. Explain what happened in the situation, what the original intention was, why the result occurred, what could have been done to avoid the result, and whether or not the original intention was good, despite the results.

• Coker's kidnapping of sighted individuals to care for the blind.

• Miss Durrant's solid Christian foundation for her community.

• The University Tower's choice to turn away Coker and his followers.

• The Emergency Council's forced communities.

(see the answer keys)

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