Summary
In this extract, what are Tally and Shay doing together?
They are experimenting with changing their faces.
What theme about beauty is present in this extract?
Beauty standards and conformity.
What does this extract reveal about Tally’s attitude toward the operation?
She is compliant and accepts the system’s rules.
What message about society does this passage suggest?
That beauty standards are manipulative and damaging.
Do you think society today also pressures people to look a certain way? How?
Yes, through social media, advertising, and cosmetic industries.
What technology are they using?
A wall screen interface that creates morpho images.
Find one quote that shows Shay’s resistance to beauty standards.
“Making ourselves feel ugly is not fun. We are ugly! This whole game is just designed to make us hate ourselves.”
What does this passage reveal about Shay’s personality? Mention 3 traits (adjectives).
She is independent, critical, and rebellious.
How does Westerfeld critique beauty standards through Shay’s dialogue?
Shay shows that beauty rules cause self-hatred and conformity.
What are some ways people in the real world try to achieve “beauty”?
Makeup, surgery, filters, gym culture, dieting.
What disagreement arises between Tally and Shay in the passage?
Tally enjoys the game; Shay says it makes them feel ugly and controlled.
Find one quote that shows Tally’s acceptance of the system.
“So what if people looked more alike now? It’s the only way to make people equal.”
How does the contrast between Shay and Tally develop their characters?
Tally = conformity, Shay = resistance → highlighting their differences.
What does Tally’s belief that “it’s the only way to make people equal” reveal about societal conditioning?
She has been indoctrinated to accept sameness as fairness.
Do you agree with Shay that beauty standards make people “hate themselves”? Why or why not?
Many agree (unrealistic standards = insecurity); others say it motivates improvement.
Summarize the extract in three sentences.
(Example) Tally and Shay play with morpho software to change their faces. Tally thinks sameness creates equality. Shay resists, arguing that the game makes them hate themselves.
How does the theme of equality vs individuality appear here?
Tally sees sameness as equality; Shay values authenticity and difference.
What do we learn about Shay’s values from her refusal to “fix” her face?
She values individuality and authenticity.
How does this extract question the idea that equality can be achieved through sameness?
It shows that real equality needs freedom, not identical appearances.
If technology could make everyone look “perfect,” would you support it? Why/why not?
Arguments for: equality, no discrimination. Arguments against: loss of individuality, freedom.
Why is Shay resistant to creating her “morpho” face?
She believes it’s a way for society to control people’s insecurities.
How does this extract reflect real-world issues about appearance and discrimination?
It mirrors today’s pressure from the media and beauty industries, which create insecurities and inequality.
How might Shay’s perspective foreshadow her future role in the novel?
Her resistance foreshadows her becoming a rebel and influencer of Tally.
What is Westerfeld warning us about in terms of modern society and conformity?
The dangers of consumer culture, conformity, and obsession with beauty.
How does this debate reflect broader global issues about identity, equality, and freedom?
It reflects identity (authenticity), equality (true fairness vs sameness), and freedom (choice vs control).