1. Card has said that humanity "shares in God's work of creating an ever-growing sphere of law to withstand the constant lawlessness of outer darkness." Write an essay explaining how this theme is expressed in Prentice Alvin.

2. If you have read the previous books in this series, Seventh Son and Red Prophet, think about the development of Alvin's character so far. What are the main new ways Alvin grows in this book? Write an essay about the new things Alvin learns in this story.

3. The narrator says of the slaveholding states, "There was buying and selling of souls in that place. Yet there was nary a one of them who understood the whole price they paid for owning other folk." Study the depictions of slavery and slave holders carefully, then write a paper explaining as fully as possible "the whole price...