Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Lisa's Discussion Questions
What would lead someone to classify love as a disease?
Do you agree that, in some ways, love could be though of as a disease? Why or why not?
I don't because I view a disease as more of a sickness or disorder and I don't view love as a feeling.
Lena says that some years ago, the government broadcast film of a girl jumping off a roof to avoid being cured. What kind of government would broadcast such a warning to its citizens?
North Korea.
What does Lena's government want for its people?
It wants total control.
What would motivate people to be evaluators, guards, or regulators in such a government?
Power.
The Book of Shhh says "marriage is Order and Stability, the mark of a Healthy society". What role do you think marriage plays in Lena's society?
Marriage is completely down played since love takes no part in it.
What role do you think marriage plays in today's society?
Marriage is a huge role in today's society.
Is love an important part of marriage?
Very. A marriage will fall apart without it.
Should people be able to marry whomever they want? Why or why not?
I believe marriage to be ordained of God and as long as it is within his limits you are able to marry whomever.
Before the evaluations, an unhappy Hana says that if her government really wanted people, to be happy, "they'd let us pick". What do you think of the idea of having a pre-determined, worry-free life planned out for you?
It seems a bit unfair. You should be able to make choices in your own life that lead to happiness if desired.
Do you need to make your own choices in order to be happy? Why, or why not?
What would lead someone to classify love as a disease?
Do you agree that, in some ways, love could be though of as a disease? Why or why not?
I don't because I view a disease as more of a sickness or disorder and I don't view love as a feeling.
Lena says that some years ago, the government broadcast film of a girl jumping off a roof to avoid being cured. What kind of government would broadcast such a warning to its citizens?
North Korea.
What does Lena's government want for its people?
It wants total control.
What would motivate people to be evaluators, guards, or regulators in such a government?
Power.
The Book of Shhh says "marriage is Order and Stability, the mark of a Healthy society". What role do you think marriage plays in Lena's society?
Marriage is completely down played since love takes no part in it.
What role do you think marriage plays in today's society?
Marriage is a huge role in today's society.
Is love an important part of marriage?
Very. A marriage will fall apart without it.
Should people be able to marry whomever they want? Why or why not?
I believe marriage to be ordained of God and as long as it is within his limits you are able to marry whomever.
Before the evaluations, an unhappy Hana says that if her government really wanted people, to be happy, "they'd let us pick". What do you think of the idea of having a pre-determined, worry-free life planned out for you?
It seems a bit unfair. You should be able to make choices in your own life that lead to happiness if desired.
Do you need to make your own choices in order to be happy? Why, or why not?
Yes, because I don't think if you don't make your own choices to be happy then you wouldn't really experience real happiness.
Lena longs for "the promise of the cure," which she describes as "the chance to be reborn; newer, fresher, better. Healed and whole and perfect again". If given the chance, would you want to be cured?
No, I wouldn't mind having the refreshing feeling of starting over before I got married, but I would still want to be able to feel love.
What are some reasons why a person might wish to undergo the treatment?
They have been so hurt by love they'd rather live without it.
Describe Hana and Lena's relationship and the role that jealousy plays in their friendship. Are you ever jealous of your friends?
Yes, until I realize that their lives are not perfect either.
What effect does that have on your behavior or your feelings for them?
None.
Near the beginning of the story, Lena says that the word I love you are "strange and terrible". Why?
Probably because she has never said them. I didn't say I love you much growing up, so when I got married it was sort of an awkward thing to say.
How did Lena's feelings about those words change during the course of the story?
I think it was something she came to love.
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