What’s the Seminar Question?
It shows Lina was nervous because her hands were cold and she wanted the mayor to hurry
What does Lina’s reaction reveal about her feelings toward Assignment Day?
“Lina’s hands were cold.” → What does this show about Lina’s feelings?
She is anxious/nervous
Drawing jobs from a bag → What theme does this represent?
Chance vs. choice; fate vs. autonomy.
Student says: “The mayor is being kind because he smiles at the students.”
→ How could you challenge this with evidence?
Point out his “heavy cheeks folded like drapes” description makes him seem fake or mocking.
In Ember, jobs are chosen by lottery. → How is this different from how people usually get jobs in our world?
We choose or apply.
It suggests Doon is more defiant than Lina because he refused to say please.
How does Doon’s attitude differ from Lina’s?
“Please hurry, Mr. Mayor, she said silently.” → What does this tell us about Lina’s attitude toward the mayor?
She is impatient and wants the process over, but she is still polite towards him, even in her thoughts.
Three-year assignments before evaluation → What theme does this suggest?
Control, order, and the limits of personal freedom.
Student says: “Doon is rude for not saying please.”
→ How could provide a different interpretation or perspective for Doon's behavior?
Argue he might just be braver or more honest than Lina, showing individuality.
Ember students serve the city first. → How is this like or unlike how students today prepare for the future?
We choose based on interest, not the city’s needs. (Or do we?)
It shows the mayor wants to remind students that they serve the city first, not themselves
Why does the mayor emphasize service to Ember?
“Doon, in his mind, was saying the same thing, only he didn’t say please.” → What does this reveal about Doon’s character?
He is less polite than Lina, more direct or frustrated, maybe rebellious.
Mayor says “We serve our city.” → What theme is this tied to?
Government authority vs. individual desires.
Student says: “The lottery is fair because everyone gets a job.”
→ How could you push back?
Note that fairness is questionable because no one chooses their role, and their futures are controlled for 3 years.
The mayor emphasizes service over freedom. → What’s a real-world example where governments or leaders ask citizens to serve?
Military drafts, public service jobs, etc.
It suggests the job lottery is not permanent but still controls people’s futures for years.
What does the mayor’s explanation about reassignment reveal about individual freedom?
“The mayor’s heavy cheeks folded like drapes.” → What does this description suggest about how the mayor is presented?
He is exaggerated, perhaps lazy, comic, or not trustworthy.
Students’ silence and nervousness → What theme does this connect to?
Fear, lack of voice, obedience to authority.
Student says: “The mayor makes Assignment Day exciting.”
→ How could you respond with text evidence?
Point out Lina silently wants him to hurry, suggesting students see it as stressful, not exciting.
Lina wants the mayor to hurry. → How might this relate to how students feel about school or authority today?
Impatience, lack of control, wanting to move on.
It shows that Assignment Day is less about personal choice and more about the government controlling order in Ember.
What larger idea does Assignment Day represent about the balance of personal autonomy and governmental control?
“It is extremely important…for all work of Ember to be done. To be properly done.” → What does the repetition of “done” suggest about the mayor’s values or the city’s needs?
He is emphasizing order and obedience, possibly to hide weakness in the system.
Lina and Doon’s impatience → What theme could this show about youth?
The desire for change, questioning authority, or frustration with imposed systems.
Student says: “Assignment Day shows the city works well, otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it.”
→ How could you respond?
Argue that it actually shows a lack of freedom—“Job you draw today is for three years”—so it works for order, not fairness.
Assignment Day controls people’s futures. → What’s a modern debate about freedom vs. control in society?
Government mandates, standardized testing, job requirements, laws about personal choice, etc.