39 pages 1 hour read

Laurie Halse Anderson

Catalyst

Fiction | Novel | YA

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Essay Topics

1.

Catalyst uses the vocabulary of chemistry and physics to chart Kate’s transition into adulthood. Choose the titles of any three chapters and discuss how they represent Kate’s growth.

2.

Religion is an important element of Kate’s world. Discuss the passage Matthew 22:37-40 and define what “faith in action” means. Draw from Mikey’s funeral and the night that Kate and Teri spend consoling each other.

3.

Research Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s groundbreaking investigation into the stages of grief. Compare and contrast how Jack, Kate, and Toby each handle the trauma of Mrs. Malone’s death. Where do they fit in terms of stages, and how does this change?