And Chaos Died | Topics for Discussion & Projects

And Chaos Died Key Questions

Our contemporary society has constructed many artificial barriers to communication. Russ explores the cost of these barriers in And Chaos Died. She examines the psi powers of a "lost" community and speculates on why some humans are receptive to learning how to communicate and trust other people while others dismiss these possibilities.

1. We read much today about lack of communication among people. Would psi facilitate or detract from communication? Why? Would you want to have psi powers?

2. What techniques does Russ use to show Jai's mind state?

3. This is perhaps the most "ecological" of Russ's novels. Do you feel we are all part of the universe? Do we have some responsibility to it?

4. Jai Vedh and the Captain are different types of characters. Describe each in relation to the other. How does Russ show these distinctions?