Ender's Game Summary

Title: Ender’s Game

1. Significance of the title:

Throughout the novel, Ender is manipulated into playing a “game” that turns out to kill many, buggers and humans alike. Although he single-handedly defeated the buggers, the loss of life that could have been avoided or reduced shocks Ender, and he feels indignant toward his manipulators. This game transforms Ender’s life and alters the ideals he stands by.

2. Genre:

The genre of the novel is Science Fiction. 3. Date of original publication:

The date of original publication is January 15th, 1985. 4. Author:

The author is Orson Scott Card. 5. Setting (including: time span of the story, time period in which the story is set, and place[s] in

6. Importance of this setting (consider ideas/beliefs indicative of the time and possible symbolism):

This novel was published in the year 1985. Science and technology were progressing at an unforeseen rate during this time as a result of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Because of these numerous scientific and technological advances, individuals in the United States envisioned and even welcomed a science-based future. This belief spawned the “New Wave” movement of Science Fiction. 7. Plot (key conflicts and resolution, approximately 250 words)

Andrew “Ender” Wiggin is a child prodigy and the youngest of three children in his family. He shares compassion with his older sister, Valentine, and violence with his older brother, Peter. Peter and other schoolchildren often bully Ender, who is always protected by Valentine. Colonel Graff uses a monitor to analyze Ender, and takes Ender away to Battle School after a bad fight with Stilson. At the Battle School, Ender

For instance, Peter, Valentine, and Andrew(Ender), are all names of saints in history. First off, Peter is ruthless and selfish in the story. In history, (Saint) Peter selfishly worries only about himself as he denies Jesus three times before his crucifixion. Peter could represent the selfish, powerful, and ruthless category of human being that rides the thin line between humanity and inhumanity. Peter is also known as Locke, which alludes to philosopher John Locke. Quite ironically, Peter seems to seek peace and unity on the net, just as how John Locke’s philosophy was used to justify a unity between the people and the government. Next, in the novel, Valentine is a loving individual that loves taking control and forming relationships with others. In history, Saint Valentine died as a martyr, and is often associated with romantic love in today’s world. Valentine could represent the compassionate, loving category of individuals in the human race. She took on the pseudonym of Demosthenes, a philosopher. Quite ironically as well, mild-mannered Valentine spread revolutionary fervor on the nets, similar to how Demosthenes was an excellent speaker and orator, spreading philosophy and information. Lastly, Andrew(Ender) shares Valentine’s compassionate nature and Peter’s ruthless nature. In history, Saint Andrew was Peter’s brother, and shares many traits with him. Ender’s personality represents the loving yet ruthless category of the