Ryan and Durling use a range of methods, some more morally acceptable than others, to manipulate the U.S. press. They see these actions as being necessary to see a successful resolution to the conflict with the Japanese. However, both the freedom of the press and the right of the people to know the truth are core values in America.

Part 1) Explain how and why the press is manipulated in the novel.

Part 2) Discuss some of the problems, practical and moral, associated with the manipulation of the press.

Part 3) Discuss the results of Ryan and Durling's manipulations.

Part 4) Assess whether the decision to manipulate the pass was a good one, and whether is was morally justifiable.

Provide support for your discussion with quotes and examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, multiple characters commit acts of treason, or contemplate whether what they are doing could be construed as treason. These decisions are difficult for some to make, they are trivially easy for others. Some characters are not even aware that they are committing treason, and have complex beliefs that prevent them from seeing this.

Part 1) Describe the progression of one character who intentionally commits treason. Explain why and how they do this and how they rationalize this action.

Part 2) Give one example of a character resisting the invitation to commit treason, or giving careful contemplation to whether their acts are treasonous. Explain the issues at hand and why this character thinks as they do. Explain why this character resists committing treason, where others do not give it the same level of consideration.

Part 3) Find and analyze one example of a character whose actions could be construed as treason, but which are not specifically named as being such.

Part 4) Discuss the overall impact of treasonous events in the novel. Explain how these betrayals provide advantages in the intelligence wars between the U.S. and Japan.

Use examples and quotes from the book to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Justice is eventually served to many of the characters who perpetrate wrongs throughout the novel. Since moral issues and principles feature prominently in the book, it is important that these people face their fates.

Part 1) Discuss justice as a theme in this novel. What role does it play in the overall narrative?

Part 2) Describe how justice is brought against important wrongdoers in the novel.

Part 3) Explain how some characters attempt to evade justice.

Part 4) Discuss examples of characters who perpetrate wrong, but who do not face justice for their crimes.

Part 5) Discuss how well justice is served by the end of the novel.

Use examples and quotes from the book to support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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