The Enormous Egg

The novel was written in the 1950s, during the United States’ Cold War against the Soviet Union. How do the themes and anxieties from this time period manifest in the novel? Does the novel have a political message? If so, what is it?

For most of the novel, Nate is out of school on summer vacation. What examples of education can be found in the text? Are there specific characters that serve in an educational role? Does learning always need to take place in school?

Analyze the prevalence of skepticism in the novel, noting its many sources. How does Nate work to counter skepticism? Does Nate himself ever harbor doubts? What is the value of faith in the novel? You might consider the relevance of Persistence in the Face of Adversity.

Consider the role of media in the novel, from newspapers to radio broadcasts to television. How do these examples of media cement the novel within a particular time period? How are science and media interrelated? How does the media influence Science as a Force of Change?

According to the novel, what makes a true scientist? What’s most important about the scientific process? Does Nate eventually embody these characteristics as well?

Consider the different versions of value in the novel. How does Nate’s concept of importance change? Is value at all subjective, depending on a specific perspective? You might include a discussion of money and Discovering Value Apart from Consumerism in your response.

Compare and contrast the characters of Dr. Ziemer and Dr. Kennedy. How do they each approach their profession? Where do they notably differ? How does Butterworth use these characterizations to better define science?

Consider the novel’s portrayal of gender dynamics. Do any female characters exist outside the home or contribute to the scientific and professional worlds? What implicit and explicit messages does the novel send about gender?