English 192: "The Girl Who Was Plugged In" Discussion Questions

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“The Girl Who Was Plugged In” by James Tiptree, Jr.

Consider the narrative voice of this story. What effect does the narrative have?
Who is the story being told to?
What is the future like? How is it like the present? How is it different?
Who are the young gods? What makes them gods?
What is the difference between gods and mortals?
How do the people in the GTX tower live?
Why are there no ads in the future?
What is distinctive about P. Burke? How is she described?
What choice does she make? Would you make the same choice?
Why isn’t this a Cinderella story?
Who is Delphi? How is she described?
What is a waldo?
What is the speech that Mr. Cantle doesn’t give?
In what ways is Delphi’s body insensitive? Why is this important?
What does Delphi do?
Why is it significant that Delphi begins to talk in her sleep?
Who is Paul Isham? What does he value?
Who is Rima? How does she relate to Delphi?
How does Delphi relate to Paul?
What is the mistake he makes?
How is Delphi reborn?
Do the stars play a part in this story?

[edit] See Also

• English 192 Syllabus - M. Stevenson Summer 2001