Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Throughout the novel, several characters work to keep parts of their lives hidden but reveal those parts of their identities slowly or eventually. What is the novel’s overall message regarding keeping secrets about one’s identity? Which characters’ secrets contribute most strongly to the theme Mysterious Interior Lives? It may be helpful to consider these points as you formulate a response.

• In what situations in the novel is keeping secrets potentially dangerous or damaging?
• Which characters have agency in their decision to share their interior lives, and which do not?
• How do methods and modes of communication in the novel support or hinder secret-keeping?

Teaching Suggestion: Due to the sensitive nature of the question, a private, individual response may be most appropriate, though students might prepare to answer the prompt by first addressing the bulleted points in pairs or small groups. It may be beneficial to encourage students to utilize text details and examples instead of using personal or general answers.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Email Correspondent Review”

In this activity, students will write to an imaginary correspondent reviewing the book they have just finished.