Empire+4B

Group Members:
Ricky C Ellie H Mike H Mike H*


 * Facilitator:** Ellie H


 * Introduction: Talk about first impressions

Character Analysis: Cecily- What made Cecily a good mediator between the two parties? Reuben- What was the importance of his death? What will his kids grow up to think of their dad? Cole- What type of soldier was Cole compared to Reuben? Lamonte- Did he deal properly with the crisis at hand? What could he have done better? Why didn't he run for office again? Torrent- Was he most interested in power or a better America? Did he believe that becoming an Empire was best for America's future? Can you compare Torrent to any Roman Consuls or Emperors? DeeNee- Was there any hint towards her extremist nature? What sort of life do you think she lived outside of the office?

Factual/Clarification Questions** *SPOILER ALERT***:**

- Do they ever find out the secratary's motivation or anything? - What was the family conflict between Cecily and Reuben? - What exactly did the facility look like with the two lakes? - Torrent staged the civil war?


 * Topic Discussion (Themes):

- Treason - Heroism - Extremism - Soldiers and the importance of trust

****Thinking Questions:** - Based on the novel, how plausible do you think a civil war is right now? Setting:** The setting is Modern Day America
 * - What was the importance of opening the story in Iraq? **
 * - Are there any notable differences between Card's America and the real thing?

- The one about how the best presidents are the ones that have the position sprung upon them because they are not power hungry, and not completely uninterested in the position. - The one about how Rome is always compared to modern day America but shouldn't be.
 * Notable Quotes:

Secondary Criticism/Commentary: " On the one hand, Empire is entertaining, though not one of Card 's best efforts. On a deeper level, some of the text sounds more like social commentary than fiction, and it tends to lean heavily to the right." - Tim Daniels --Is it possible to write a piece about civil war while sounding completely neutral?

"Moreover, all the action doesn't obscure the author's message about the dangers of extreme political polarization and the need to reassert moderation and mutual citizenship" - Olson Ray --What is Card's message? **