Red Mars

The transnational corporations want to mine Mars for its valuable minerals. How does the novel illustrate the connection between planetary colonization and corporate greed? Cite specific examples.

Boone, Chalmers, and Maya are caught in a complicated love triangle. To what extent, if any, do the characters love one another? What actions and statements reveal each character’s true feelings or motivations?

Midway through the novel, a medical treatment to extend human life is developed. This prolongs the life of the characters, but what effect does this treatment have on Earth? Cite textual evidence.

Ann believes that the terraforming of Mars should be restricted due to the potential that native life might exist on the planet. Do the characters ever find any trace of life? Would it matter if they did?

Many of the characters regard Hiroko as a mysterious figure. After her disappearance, she takes on an almost mystical role in Martian society, but how does this affect her personal relationships with the 100?

How does the novel explore the ways that human societies organically create folklore and legend? Include textual evidence.

Red Mars occasionally uses graphs and diagrams to augment the prose. How do these visual data elements add depth and insight to the storytelling? How do they reflect the colonists’ work?

The novel begins with the assassination of John Boone. What is the narrative significance of this opening? Why does the novel use this nonlinear approach only on one occasion?