Plot Points
What significant change in the plot happened in this chapter?
They skipped time 6 years into the future.
This theme is explored through the contrast between the Chalfens and the Jones/Bowden/Iqbal families, highlighting differences in upbringing and worldview
Family and influence
This teenage girl becomes enamored with the Chalfen family’s intellectual and structured way of life.
Irie Jones
Secular
not subject to or bound by religious rule
This character says, “We are all the children of the Chalfens now.”
Irie Jones
At the end of the chapter where does Hortense want to be for the ‘end of the world’?
Jamaica
Joyce Chalfen’s belief in “fixing” Irie and Millat reflects this theme, showing how certain groups impose their values on others.
cultural superiority and assimilation
This character is a geneticist working on the controversial FutureMouse project.
Marcus Chalfen
Gally
in a cheerful or lighthearted way
“She thought she had found it: a family finer, better, cleverer, more cultured and cleaner than her own.” This quote describes Irie’s feelings toward which family?
the Chalfens
What do we learn about Millat’s relationship status?
He is now engaged
The Chalfens view themselves as morally and intellectually superior, exemplifying this theme that critiques self-righteousness and class privilege.
Intellectual elitism and classism?
This woman believes she can “fix” Irie and Millat by exposing them to her family’s way of life.
Joyce Chalfen
confound
cause surprise or confusion in somebody, especially by acting against their expectations.
Joyce Chalfen expresses her belief in guiding young people when she says, “All they need is a little direction. A little pruning. I can help them.” What theme does this reflect?
What is cultural superiority and assimilation?
What does Mr. Iqbal reveal about Millat?
He has been missing for three weeks.
The idea of “Chalfenism” represents this theme, as it suggests a structured, scientific way of thinking that dismisses other perspectives.
rationalism vs. emotional experience?
This rebellious character is reluctantly drawn into the Chalfens’ world but remains resistant to their influence.
Millat Iqbal
Allotment
a plot of land rented by an individual for growing vegetables or flowers.
Marcus Chalfen sees his FutureMouse project as an embodiment of progress when he states, “This is the future, the only way forward.” What does this quote symbolize?
What is scientific determinism and control?
What is a problem that Mr. Topps has when he first meets Irie?
the possibility that she is his daughter, not Archie's, as she is Clara's child, and Ryan was Clara's boyfriend before she married Archie.
Irie’s fascination with the Chalfens and her rejection of her own family background highlight this theme, which deals with personal struggles in forming an identity.
identity and self-discovery?
his character, the Chalfen family’s son, is portrayed as a model of intelligence and good behavior, in contrast to Irie and Millat.
Joshua Chalfen
Coincide
occur at or during the same time
When Millat is reluctantly drawn into the Chalfens’ world, he thinks, “They want to fix me, but I ain’t broken.” What does this reveal about his character?
What is his resistance to assimilation and control?