The Game
What are the children imitating, and why is it disturbing beyond just being “sad”?
They are imitating the slave trade; problematic because of the harmful ideas ingrained in the children.
Why does Tom Weylin forbid Dana from reading but allow her to read to Rufus?
He not only wants to limit the education of the enslaved, but fears the power of reading and literacy in general.
What does Kevin mean when he says this could be “a great time to live”? What is he ignoring?
He is fascinated by the history aspect, getting to live in a separate time period and observe the beginnings of America. He is ignoring the social impact this period has on Dana and the enslaved peoples living in it.
When Tom catches Dana reading, he tells her to stay away from books. Why would Tom think that it is bad for a slave to be educated?
He thinks she/the slave with the knowledge could spread the idea of freedom to the other slaves who would eventually call/make themselves free
How does the game show that slavery is maintained without constant violence?
The continuous themes of inferiority are passed down, and internalized by the subjects and oppressors of the Slave Trade.
Why is teaching Nigel to read considered dangerous? What does literacy and education represent in this society?
Teaching Nigel to read is dangerous because literacy threatens control. Weylin says: “Stay away from the books!” and Dana warns: “You know what’s going to happen to both of us if we get caught?” Nigel’s scars show the real risk: “He… lifted his shirt… so that I could see his scars.” Literacy represents power and independence, which is why it’s restricted.
How does Kevin’s reaction to the plantation differ from Dana’s, and why?
Protected by his race, Kevin views it as an almost successful historical mission, while Dana endures harm, causing a significant disconnect to forge between them.
How does Rufus’s behavior toward his mother reflect what he has learned about power?
Same acts as his father has done, as seen when telling Dana not to read books anymore in his library.
Dana says people can be “trained” to accept slavery. How does the game act as evidence for that idea? Use evidence.
The books Dana reads (Robinson Crusoe, Pilgrim’s Progress, Gulliver’s Travels) are about journeys and freedom. Why is this ironic in the context of Nigel and Carrie?
Superficially, Nigel and Carrie are enslaved, but beyond that, it conveys the idea that they have no hopes to escape, and will most likely spend their whole life enslaved.
Is Kevin consciously changing, or is the environment shaping him without him realizing it? Use evidence.
Kevin is mostly being shaped by the environment without fully realizing it. He starts to normalize slavery, saying: “This could be a great time to live in” and later: “this place isn’t what I would have imagined… No more work than the people can manage” These statements show he is overlooking the deeper brutality that Dana points out. At the same time, he’s not completely unaware—he admits limits: "I won’t say I understand how you feel… maybe that’s something I can’t understand. So Kevin’s change is gradual and subtle: the environment is influencing him, even as he thinks he’s being objective.
How does Rufus exert his power? What choices are his decision vs. learned?
Rufus uses power by copying his father. He tells his mother: “Get away from me!” and Dana notes: “a smaller replica of his father.” Rufus admits it’s learned: “Daddy does it too.” But he also makes choices, like defending Dana: “I want to hear Dana read.” His power is learned behavior + personal choice, showing how the system continues.