Isolation
Why is Mark Isolated?
Mark is isolated because on page 2 it says: "I would only be "in command" of the mission if I were the only remaining person. What do you know. I'm in command." This proves that Mark is indeed all by himself
When does Mark feel hope?
When he gets communication with NASA, he feels hope for the first time, knowing that he truly could be save. Other answers include, when he reaches MAV 4.
How does Mark have the power? How does he lack it?
Mark is the only person on Earth, making him able to do anything he wants. That's power, if you know what I mean. The dude lacks power because the NASA nerds are constantly trying to get him to do what they want.
How has Mark affected the day to day life of other people?
Millions of people are tuning into the CNN Mark Watney as reported on page 158 of the pdf. They care about him and they would do anything to save him.
What's the unfamiliar setting?
MARS! Nobody else has been stuck on Mars before, so this is a first. In the beginning of the book it shows a map. I don't have a clue about any of those places, making them quite unfamiliar.
When are moments when Mark feels the most Isolated?
When he loses communication with NASA after frying it, there's a quick moment where he feels sudden hopelessness, that he's going to die, and never see another human being ever again.
When is there a lack of hope?
There's a lack of hope whenever something bad happens. For example, when he fries pathfinder.
How does a lack of power interfere with the goals of people who don't have power?
A lack of power interferes with people who have a lot of goals because they usually aren't able to fulfill the things they would like to. A lot of the time people with more money and power are able to do they things they wish without further restrictions.
How has Mark's situation affected the relations between China and America?
Many different answers work, but one could be:
China won't ever forgive the US because they had to use something they've been working on for years in exchange for a few people going to space. Not that good.
What are some of the innovative technology?
There is a lot of innovative tech. On page 2 it talks about "ion engines" and "the ship throws out argon to get little acceleration". This is innovative as it makes space travel more accessible and easier than before.
How is Mark isolated?
Mark is isolated both physically and mentally. Some people are mentally out of it but are near a lot of people. That just isn't the case with Mark. He has no one to be with or to even talk with.
How does Mark feel hope?
Mark feels hope every time something that pops up and will save his life happens. Constantly, something new happens and he thinks he'll be saved instead of dying a painful death. Man, this is the definition of hope.
Who doesn't have power?
A few people who don't have power include:
1. Mindy Park- she just observes
2. NASA when the crew is saving Mark at the end of the book- they can't do anything to help Mark
3. Mark's parents- again, stuck watching their sons' story play out
How has his situation affected NASA workers?
NASA workers are having to work a lot more than they usually would. Multiple times it comments on how the workers are extremely tired and can hardly stay awake. They also start to learn more about each other as they spend more time with one another.
What are the Themes about Humanity in the Martian?
1. isolation
2. hope and lack there of
3. politics and power
3. cultural impact
How does he cope with Isolation?
Mark copes with isolation by keeping a log every day that he talks to or types on. It helps him breathe a little bit and it makes him able to understand the situation he's in without being overwhelmed too much.
How does the lack of hope affect Mark?
On pdf page 201 it says: I screwed up. I screwed up big time. I made a mistake that might kill me." These 3 sentences have a very negative connotation and they instantly make me feel hopeless. This shows that Mark thinks that he's going to die.
How does power let people with power achieve their goals?
People with wealth and power are able to not have restrictions that would otherwise not enable them to do the things they want. They can purchase things and no one else can really do anything about it.
If he wasn't saved, how could citizens act against NASA?
The government could stop funding them as much money and a lot of people could have rallies or march against doing more space travel. This is why the top people were so worried, because if he died it would affect their picture massively.
What are some of the "what if" questions in the book?
Many different answers are true. Here's what could have been said:
1. What would happen if Mark died early in the book? How would this affect NASA?
2. What if Hermes was destroyed? How would this affect future exploration?
How does Isolation affect Mark?
Isolation affects Mark a lot because at the end of the book you can see how badly he just wants to get off of the planet. Maybe he won't be an extrovert as much after his experiences on Mars.
How does hope affect Mark
Hope affects Mark in a very interesting way. It makes him believe and keep going. If he didn't have any hope, he would just sit down and let Mars kill him. It keeps him going, striving for a way to get back to Earth.
Who has the power?
1. Teddy- he's the head of NASA
2. Commander Lewis- she's the leader of the crew
3. Mark- he's the only person on Mars
(other answers may be right)
How could him being stuck on Mars affect space travel safety?
Could be a response:
I think that the radars they use will have to become a lot more powerful. NASA will also have to think more about how they can continue their communication with astronauts even after bad disasters.
Who do you relate to? Why?
Answers vary. An example could be:
"I relate to Mindy Park because I too have worked very hard in life yet I don't really get recognized for anything. I've done all I can only to be wasted by the people around me."