Dystopian Elements
Give one common feature of dystopias.
Examples: restricted freedoms, class divisions, surveillance, propaganda.
Who is the protagonist?
Mare Barrow.
Define "dystopia" in one sentence.
a society where life is unpleasant because of control, suffering, or injustice.
What kind of work is Mare expected to do?
Menial labor / work to survive; expected to do manual or poor-town work (e.g., stealing or labor)
Name one rule that separates Reds and Silvers.
Reds cannot enter Silver areas; social mixing is forbidden; Reds must obey Silvers.
What visible mark shows class difference between Reds and Silvers?
The color/status difference: Reds vs. Silvers (blood color / social class; Silvers are genetically different and rule).
Name one member of Mare’s family.
Gisa- Mare's younger sister
Mare's 3 older brothers- Shade, Bree, Tramy
-Mare's mom
-Mare's dad
Define "revolt" and use it in one sentence about the book.
to rise up against authority. Sentence: "If Reds were to revolt, they would challenge Silver rule."
Name a scene from chapters 1–3 that shows danger for Reds.
The scene with Silvers demonstrating power or public enforcement (e.g., execution, patrol, or a tense market interaction).
What punishment or consequence do characters fear?
Fear of arrest, violence, or exile; loss of family safety.
How do rulers use fear or control in a dystopia? (one short example)
Rulers use fear of punishment or violence; example: Reds know Silvers have power and punish dissent (chapters 1–3 show class threat).
Name one Silver mentioned in chapters 1–3.
Samson- Telky
Cantos- Strongarm
Cal
Maven
Guards, Royals, etc
What do "Red" and "Silver" represent? (one short sentence each)
Red = common people/working class; Silver = ruling elite with special abilities and status.
What happens to Mare in chapter 2 that raises the stakes?
Mare faces increased danger or is forced into a risky situation (teacher: reference Mare’s actions in chapter 2).
Give one custom or expectation that keeps people from questioning society.
Expectation to accept one’s social rank and not question Silvers.
Name a setting detail from chapters 1–3 that shows inequality.
Example: The marketplace/poor district conditions or guards present unequal living conditions.
What does Mare want at the start of the book? (one sentence)
Mare wants to provide for her family and survive; she longs for a better life and chance to escape poverty.
Fill in the blank:
The Silvers ________ the Reds by limiting their access to basic resources and luxuries
A. Empower
B. Oppress
C. Appreciate
B. Oppress
- keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.
What main conflict is introduced in chapters 1–3?
class inequality and Mare’s struggle between her social status and unusual events that threaten her safety.
How do titles or forms of address reinforce social differences? (one sentence)
Silvers are addressed with respect or titles; Reds are dismissed or called by first names—this shows hierarchy.
How do Silvers use power to control Reds in chapters 1–3?
Silvers' abilities, influence, and resources keep Reds powerless; Silvers' control of institutions and violence maintains order.
Who is Mare's only friend, and what do they help Mare understand more clearly?
Kilorn
-shows Mare’s dependence on community and poverty — reveals how society limits opportunities.
Define "privilege" and explain how it appears in chapters 1–3. (one sentence)
special advantages given to a group. In chapters 1–3, Silvers have privileges like better living, safety, and power.
Which early action by Mare sets up later events?
Mare’s early choices (helping others, taking risks, or interacting with Silvers) lead to major consequences.
How does peer pressure enforce conformity among Reds? Give one example from chapters 1–3.
community urges caution and conformity to survive; example: friends warning Mare not to attract Silver attention.