Ms. Johnson English 9

V for Vendetta

Survival Guide

Name: ____________________ Block: _____

BACKGROUND

DYSTOPIA In V for Vendetta, the government has attempted to form a “utopian” society but has clearly spiraled into a “dystopian” one. The word “utopia” is derived from Greek words that literally translate to “no place.” In English, utopia is pronounced “eutopia,” which means “good place.” Utopia is a fictional/politically philosophical novel by Thomas More, which describes the political, religious, and social customs of a perfect society. Some of More’s critics argue that the the name of the novel suggests a society that is perfect but ultimately impossible. A dystopia (“not­good place”) is the total opposite: an undesirable or even frightening society caused by a catastrophic decline in society. These fictional societies are popular in Science Fiction (futuristic), and the societal downfalls that lead to dystopias are caused by unattended problems with our current society (environment, politics, economics, ethics, religion, technology, etc.). Authors often insinuate that dystopias are often caused by societies that try to achieve utopias. Some very popular books you have read and movies you have seen are dystopian: The Hunger Games, The Giver, Divergent, The Purge, Fahrenheit 451, A Clockwork Orange, and just about any story about zombies. FASCISM Fascism is a form of radical authoritarian nationalism that originated in Italy during World War I. Fascists identify World War I as a revolution. It brought revolutionary changes in the nature of war, society, the state, and technology.

The advent of total war and total mass mobilization of society had broken down the distinction between civilian and combatant. A "military citizenship" arose in which all citizens were involved with the military in some way during the war. The war had resulted in the rise of a powerful state capable of mobilizing millions of people to serve on the front lines or provide economic production and logistics to support those on the front lines, as well as having unprecedented authority to intervene in the lives of citizens.

Fascists view World War I as having made liberal democracy obsolete, and regard total mobilization of society under a totalitarian single­party state as necessary to prepare a nation for armed conflict and to respond effectively to economic difficulties. Such a state is led by a strong leader — such as a dictator and a martial government composed of the members of the governing fascist party — to forge national unity and maintain a stable and orderly society. Fascism rejects assertions of violence automatically being negative in nature and views political violence, war, and imperialism as means that can achieve national rejuvenation.

The symbolism of the fasces suggested strength through unity: a single rod is easily broken, while the bundle is difficult to break. The people are bound together by the government. [Wikipedia]

GUY FAWKES Guy Fawkes was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England and VI of Scotland by a group of provincial English Catholics led by Robert Catesby. The plan was to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of England's Parliament on 5 November 1605, as the prelude to a popular revolt in the Midlands during which James's nine­year­old daughter, Princess Elizabeth, was to be installed as the Catholic head of state. Catesby may have embarked on the scheme after hopes of securing greater religious tolerance under King James had faded, leaving many English Catholics disappointed. Fawkes, who had 10 years of military experience fighting in the Spanish Netherlands in suppression of the Dutch Revolt, was given charge of the explosives. The plot was revealed to the authorities. Several plotters made a stand against the pursuing Sheriff of Worcester and his men at Holbeche House; in the ensuing battle Catesby was one of those shot and killed. At their trial on 27 January 1606, eight of the survivors, including Fawkes, were convicted and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered. On 5 November 1605, Londoners were encouraged to celebrate the King's escape from assassination by lighting bonfires. Fawkes subsequently appeared as "essentially an action hero" in children's books. Historian Lewis Call has observed that Fawkes is now "a major icon in modern political culture". He went on to write that the image of Fawkes's face became "a potentially powerful instrument for the articulation of postmodern anarchism” during the late 20th century, exemplified by the mask worn by V in the comic book series V for Vendetta, who fights against a fictional fascist English state. Guy Fawkes is sometimes toasted as "the last man to enter Parliament with honest intentions".

[Wikipedia]

GRAPHIC NOVELS A graphic novel is a book made up of comics content. Although the word "novel" normally refers to long fictional works, the term "graphic novel" is applied broadly and includes fiction, non­fiction, and anthologized work. It is distinguished from the term "comic book", which is used for comics periodicals (newspapers, magazines, etc.). We will go over the basics of how to read a graphic novel: how to tell the difference between dialogue and narration, why some speech bubbles look different than others, how “frames” work, different styles of paneling, the effect of shading, etc.

ANTICIPATION ACTIVITY Directions: Read the following statements. If you agree with the statement, write A on the line. If you disagree with the statement, write D on the line. Try to make a decision, but if you cannot choose, be prepared to explain why. 1. A perfect society is possible (no poverty, complete equality, etc.). ____ 2. Different cultures are too different to ever truly live in peace. ____ 3. It is acceptable to kill under the right circumstances. ____ 4. A hero works together with the police to defeat criminals. ____ 5. Politicians often try to gain credibility through lies and propaganda. ____ 6. “Justice” means different things to different people. ____ 7. To live in “anarchy” is live in total chaos. ____ 8. Vengeance is acceptable if the punishment fits the crime. ____ 9. Events way back in history no longer affect us; they don’t matter. ____ 10. Historical effects are like dominoes ­ each one affects the next. ____ 11. People’s actions and ideals don’t matter; once you’re dead, you’re dead. ____ 12. Symbols (memorials, flags, anthems, etc.) are important to society. ____ 13. Comic books aren’t literature; they are dumbed­down versions of books. ____ 14. Sometimes I identify with the villain more than the hero in a story. ____ 15. Power is a corrupting force: it can turn good people bad and ruin lives. ____

VOCABULARY A = I know this word; B = I’m not quite sure what it means; C = I don’t know this word

Term A B C Definition

Vaudeville

Vendetta

Virtue

Victorious

Venom

Vortex

Vanish

Vocational

Variety

Vicissitude

Verdict

Vignette

Vox Populi

Vestige

Valediction

Vindicated

Vigil

Valhalla

Poetic Justice

Extended Metaphor

MAJOR EVENTS CHART Use this chart to keep track of important events throughout the novel.

Chapters Setting Who is involved? Major events

Book 1

After “Reign” Evening news hour

Voice of Fate Girl; Masked man

Intro dystopian London (cameras, quarantine, rations, police!, terrorist raids, 1 radio station)

1

Westminster Girl; “Fingermen” Masked man; “Head”

Masked man saves girl (bomb); He’s a villain; He blows up Parliament (rhyme); “Head” reacts

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Book 2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Book 3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

CHARACTER CHART Use this chart to keep track of the characters and their classifications. Make sure you read the definitions of the classifications first ­ these are important terms you will have to remember! ­­The “Wild Card” space is for a character not list who stood out to you.

Protagonist ­ main character; faces challenges and changes (mentally) throughout the story; “good guy” Antagonist ­ main character; opposes or “antagonizes” the protagonist; “bad guy” Round ­ character who is complicated and interesting Flat ­ character who is simple and underdeveloped Dynamic ­ character who grows emotionally and learns throughout the story Static ­ character who grows very little (or not at all) Direct Characterization ­ when the author/narrator directly (outright) tells the reader what a character

is like Indirect Characterization ­ when the reader must determine what a character is like through action,

dialogue, or the thoughts of other characters

Character V Evey Hammond

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

Character Eric Finch Leader Adam Susan

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

Character Prothero/Lilliman Delia Surridge

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

Character Mr. Derek Almond Mrs. Rose Almond

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

Character Mrs. Helen Heyer Mr. Conrad Heyer

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Character Valerie Gordon

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

Character Etheridge Peter Creedy/Ally Harper

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Protagonist/ Antagonist

Round/ Flat

Static/ Dynamic

BOOK 1 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 QUESTIONS 1. How do you know this society is a dictatorship? List what you see in the introduction of Book 1. 2. Who are the “fingermen” ­ what is their job, and what prerogative are they granted? 3. How does the masked man introduce himself (unusual label)? 4. List the parts of the “Head” (the branches of the government) and their purpose: 5. What is the “Mouth”? Describe the “Voice” ­ who is it, and who do people think it is? 6. Why does the masked man call his home the Shadow Gallery? 7. Why do you think the masked man’s speech bubbles are shaped differently than other people’s? 8. Describe the crime scene: what happened to the victims, what marks the villain left, what Finch fears to do. 9. Summarize the story Evey tells V. How do you know this is a flashback (what is different)? 10. Why is the Leader worried about Prothero’s kidnapping ­ what challenge does it present to his power?

BOOK 1 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 ACTIVITY Directions: Label the different parts of the government in V for Vendetta: what is the NAME of each one, and what is its PURPOSE (what does it do)?

Why do you think the author represented the government this way? What does it say about the

government’s relationship with the nation?

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BOOK 1 CHAPTER 4­7 QUESTIONS 1. What hint do we learn about V’s history? How does Prothero know him? How does this relate to other details about V’s identity/personality? 2. What sort of people were sent to “Resettlement Camps” ­ what are these like in reality? 3. What happens to Prothero ­ what is his punishment? How does this affect the people of London? 4. What is Leader Susan’s version of Justice? What is V’s version of Justice? (compare them) 5. Describe V’s conversation with Madame Justice: why is he mad, how does the statue’s expression change, and what does V do to move on? 6. The quotation on V’s hat speaks of conquering the universe with truth, and he took it from Faust. V says, “He made a deal too” (44). With whom do you think Faust made a deal, and what does this mean for Evey? 7. What “vision” does Bishop Lilliman describe in his sermon? Of whom does he speak? 8. How does he describe Evey? What does this tell you about Lilliman and his sermon? 8. Why is Evey visiting Lilliman (the truth)? Why does she run (two reasons)? 10. How do authorities find out that the Bishop is in trouble?

BOOK 1 CHAPTER 4­7 ACTIVITY

“Vaudeville” “Vaudeville” is a type of theater called “variety entertainment.” In a vaudeville performance, separate, unrelated acts are grouped together on a common bill (program). Types of acts have included popular and classical musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, trained animals, magicians, female and male impersonators, acrobats, illustrated songs, jugglers, one­act plays or scenes from plays, athletes, lecturing celebrities, minstrels, and movies. A vaudeville performer is often referred to as a "vaudevillian".

Vaudeville developed from many sources, including the concert saloon, minstrelsy, freak shows, dime museums, and literary American burlesque. Called "the heart of American show business," vaudeville was one of the most popular types of entertainment in North America for several decades. [Wikipedia]

______________________ ______________________ ________________________ Do you recognize these famous vaudevillians? If you do, be prepared to share your answers. 1. Why do you think V is portrayed as a vaudevillian when he takes vengeance on Prothero? 2. Much of what V says is from literature (movies, books, plays). Why do you think that is? 3. V is what you might call “theatrical” (he likes props, costumes, set details, and making a show of all his actions). Why do you think that is? What is the author trying to tell you about the society?

BOOK 1 CHAPTER 8­11 QUESTIONS 1. Describe the crime scene: how Lilliman died, how Dennis died, marks left by V… 2. How does the coroner, Delia Surridge, react when given the rose (visual, not audible, foreshadowing). 3. Describe the 3 plotlines that are shown side­by­side: Evey and V, Mr. and Mrs. Almond, Delia Surridge 4. List the “V” clues Dominic has linked. What do they mean ­ what lead does this create in the case? 5. What sociological experiment (real) does Delia describe? What does this have to do with her? 6. Why do you think Delia wants to see V’s face? Why do you think we aren’t allowed to see it? 7. How do the authorities try to catch V? Why do they fail, and how is this an example of poetic justice? 8. Summarize what Delia explains in her diary: her job, her attitude, her findings, and the disaster… 9. What is the logical vortex that Dominic and Finch discuss (2 possible motivations for V’s actions)? 10. [Opinion] Do you think V’s actions so far have been justified?

BOOK 1 CHAPTER 8­11 ACTIVITY “V’s Vs”

In chapter 9, Dominic links several clues about V’s identity, all to do with the letter V:

Graffiti Violet Carson

Room/Batch 5 Beethoven’s 5th This is called a “motif” (mo­tea­f) ­ a distinct feature in art/literature, often a repeated idea/concept/theme.

1. What is V trying to express with this motif? 2. What is the author telling you about V? Consider what each V symbolizes for him. 3. Is V just a crazy villain, or on some level, can we look at him as a hero and artist? Explain your opinion.

BOOK 2 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 QUESTIONS 1. Why do you think this section starts with a song? Do you think it is predictive or reflective? Why? 2. What do we learn about some of the characters in V’s Prelude? 3. What dilemma does V’s magic trick show to Evey? 4. Why does Evey think V has not made advances toward her? 5. Why do you think V takes Evey outside vanish? 6. Why is Evey’s situation shown side­by­side with Rosie Almond’s ­ how are they similar? 7. After visiting the movie theater, what two things does V do on his way out? 8. What are the two meanings of “veil” that Rosie talks about? 9. What is V’s next terrorist act? How does he manage not go get caught? 10. What message does this act send to the Head (remember, Jordan Tower is a source of news)?

BOOK 2 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 ACTIVITY “The Guy Fawkes Mask Today”

The Guy Fawkes mask is a stylised depiction of Guy Fawkes, the best­known member of the Gunpowder Plot. The use of a mask on an effigy has long roots as part of Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. A stylised portrayal of a face with an over­sized smile and red cheeks, a wide moustache upturned at both ends, and a thin vertical pointed beard, designed by illustrator David Lloyd, came to represent broader protest after it was used as a major plot element in V for Vendetta, published in 1982, and its 2006 film adaptation. After appearing in Internet forums, the mask became a well­known symbol for the online hacktivist group Anonymous, used in Project Chanology, the Occupy movement, and other anti­government and anti­establishment protests around the world.

Anonymous (used as a mass noun) is a loosely associated international network of activist and hacktivist entities. The group became known for a series of well­publicized publicity stunts and distributed denial­of­service (DDoS) attacks on government, religious, and corporate websites. In its early form, the concept was adopted by a decentralized online community acting anonymously in a coordinated manner, usually toward a loosely self­agreed goal, and primarily focused on entertainment, or "lulz". Beginning with 2008's Project Chanology—a series of protests, pranks, and hacks targeting the Church of Scientology—the Anonymous collective became increasingly associated with collaborative hacktivism on a number of issues internationally. Broadly speaking, Anons oppose internet censorship and control, and the majority of their actions target governments, organizations, and corporations that they accuse of censorship. “Anons” were early supporters of the global Occupy movement and the Arab Spring. Since 2008, a frequent subject of disagreement within Anonymous is whether members should focus on pranking and entertainment or more serious (and in some cases political) activism. Supporters have called the group "freedom fighters” and digital Robin Hoods while critics have described them as "a cyber lynch­mob” or "cyber terrorists". In 2012, Time called Anonymous one of the "100 most influential people" in the world.

Why do you think this group chose the Guy Fawkes mask? What do they feel they have in common with V?

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 4­7 QUESTIONS 1. What does V’s “Good evening, London” video mean? Why is he speaking vocationally? 2. Why does V corner Dascombe as the video finishes? 3. Why is Finch sent on a vacation? 4. With whom is Evey now staying? Describe him. What lies are they telling each other? 5. Describe Gordon’s variety of “friends” at the club

Retiring mob boss:

Creedy:

Ally Harper:

Rosie Almond:

6. How does the author distinguish the song from Evey’s thoughts and others’ speech? 7. What realization does Evey express to Gordon as they leave the club? 8. Who are the visitors that arrive at Gordon’s door, and what do they do? 9. What does this mean for Evey (pay attention to the visual)? 10. Looking at the final image of chapter 7, what do you think Evey wants to do? How does this contradict something she said to V in an earlier chapter (just after Lilliman’s death)?

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 4­7 ACTIVITY “Allusions”

An “allusion” is an expression meant to bring something to mind without mentioning it explicitly ­ it is a reference to something outside of the story/topic mentioned in passing. There are many allusions in V for Vendetta. For example, chapter 6 involves an allusion to the Broadway musical Cabaret, which is about a nightclub during 1930s. The dancer, her song, and even the name of the club are almost identical to those in the musical. Look on pg 125 to compare to the image below:

[Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles at the Kit Kat Klub]

1. Why do you think the author chose to make this allusion? What does it have to do with V for Vendetta? 2. List other allusions you have seen so far. Hint: some are allusions to other books, movies, history, etc.

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 8­11 QUESTIONS 1. When Evey runs into Rosie Almond, what do we learn about Rosie? 2. What does Evey try to do outside the club? Why does she fail? 3. Why is chapter 9 named “Vicissitude” ­ something to do with Evey’s dream? 4. Describe Evey dream. What parts of her life jumble up? 5. Why has Evey been arrested (charges and purpose of interrogation)? 6. Describe the process Evey goes through to prepare her for confinement. How is this like prisoners in Holocaust concentration camps? 7. Why does Evey no longer fear the rat in her cell? 8. Why does Evey read Valerie’s letter over and over? What does the letter symbolize for her? 9. Describe Valerie’s story: childhood, life in London, Ruth’s departure, time in prison… 10. Describe Valerie’s philosophy [“Every inch of me shall perish except one” (159)]... *Bonus!: We have seen 3 hints in Valerie’s letter about who she is and why she is important. List them.

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 8­11 ACTIVITY “Hope in the Darkness”

In this section, Evey was put into a character­testing situation. Try to put yourself in her shoes. She was used to strictly monitored safety and blissful ignorance, and then V changed everything by taking her in. Now she is sitting in prison, waiting for more brutal interrogations. Valerie’s letter helps her to survive. Isn’t that amazing ­ that something as simple and insignificant as a letter from a stranger can motivate Evey to hang on? 1. Why do you think the letter is so helpful? How can Evey relate to Valerie? 2. What advice does Valerie give to Evey (her philosophy)? 3. Do you think Evey is now a strong enough person to follow this advice? Do you think she could have in the beginning of the novel? 4. When you are in a difficult situation, what motivates you to keep trying? This can be in general, or you can describe a particular situation.

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 12­14 QUESTIONS 1. When Evey claims she would rather die than work for the government, what is the guard’s verdict? 2. What truth does Evey discover? 3. What was the purpose of Evey’s imprisonment? 4. What does the line, “You’ve been in prison all your life… so long, you no longer believe there’s a world outside” (168­70) mean? 5. Why is this the most important moment of Evey’s life ­ what value has she gained? 6. When Evey walks out into the rain, the scene looks just like another character’s escape… explain. 7. Describe the vignettes we are shown in chapter 14.

Finch:

Rosie:

Leader:

Evey and V:

8. What links the vignettes (something we’ve seen before)? 9. What does it mean when Evey decides not to pick the rose? 10. What does it mean when the Fate Computer screen says “I LOVE YOU” (for readers and for the Leader)?

BOOK 2 CHAPTER 12­14 ACTIVITY “Coming­of­Age”

A “coming­of­age” story is one about a character who is transitioning into adulthood. Keep in mind that coming­of­age does NOT simply mean growing older. It means learning something from a life­changing experience. The protagonist is typically a child/early teenager who is put into an adult situation ­ he/she must make adult decisions and face adult consequences, and he/she adapt to a new stage in life. V for Vendetta is not a coming­of­age novel (V is already a confident member of adulthood), but Evey’s individual experience is. After her experience in prison, V helps her comprehend what she has just gone through, and he guides her through a sort of spiritual awakening. 1. What value did Valerie’s letter teach Evey? Why is this value so important in a society like hers? 2. What are your top 3 values? Why are they important to you? 3. How can Evey’s horrible experience be viewed as a good one ­ why does she thank V? 4. Describe another coming­of­age story you have read/seen.

BOOK 3 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 QUESTIONS 1. Why is Dominic worried about Finch ­ what is he afraid of? What do you think is really going on? 2. Why do Etheridge’s coworkers call him “Bunny,” and why is this ironic? Why does V call Evey “Eve” now? 3. What does V’s bomb do to the Head? Why is this “Do­As­You­Please” time? Describe people’s different reactions. 4. Why is V portrayed as a maestro in this introduction? 5. What does the Leader to combat disorder? Why is this a bad idea? 6. What does Rosie buy from Harper? Why does she claim she needs it? Do you think it’s true? 7. What does “vox populi” mean? What does V mean by, “Noise is relative to the silence preceding it” (194)? 8. Explain V’s comparison between “Verwirrung” (Take­What­You­Want”) and “Ordung” (“Do­As­You­Please”). 9. List and describe V’s Dominoes

Creedy vs. Helen scheming:

Rosie’s desire:

Finch’s strategy:

Dominic’s realization:

the Leader’s sanity:

10. One of the final images is of V flicking the first domino. What does this mean for the rest of the novel?

BOOK 3 INTRO + CHAPTER 1­3 ACTIVITY “Setting Up the Dominoes”

A “visual metaphor” is an image used in place of another to create a connection between the two. Advertising companies use this all the time. For example, Snickers’ “You’re not you when you’re hungry” campaign:

1. What does this sequence show literally? 2. What is the commercial actually trying to say?

3. What is the visual metaphor of V’s dominoes ­ what do the toppling dominoes represent?

BOOK 3 CHAPTER 4­7 QUESTIONS 1. What is a vestige? Why does Finch take LSD at Larkhill? 2. What is Finch’s attitude about the camp at first, and how does it change as he hallucinates? 3. What does he hallucinate, and how does he respond to it (what does he say to it)? 4. His own memories/thoughts mix with V’s. What realization does he come to (a question he asks himself)? 5. What is a valediction? What are two types of “will” in this chapter? 6. Why does V take Eve on a tour of the Shadow Gallery ­ multiple reasons? What is he trying to say? 7. V’s plan connects the paths (“vectors”) of multiple characters. We see these characters reach turning points (“the point of no return”). Describe them. 8. What are the Leader’s 2 delusions (1 about his actions, 1 about his people)? 9. Describe the two parallel confrontations (234­7) and their aftermath. 10. V accepts his fate because “Ideas are bulletproof” (236). Explain his viewpoint. What is yours? *Bonus!: During the tour of the Shadow Gallery, we receive 5 hints of foreshadowing/insight into V’s plan. List them.

BOOK 3 CHAPTER 4­7 ACTIVITY “Vestige”

A “vestige” is visible evidence of something no longer in existence. Here are a few examples:

Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland; American Military Cemetery, England; Sphinx and Pyramid, Giza, Egypt 1. Why do you think chapter 4 (Finch’s LSD trip) is called “Vestige”? 2. In the movie V for Vendetta, V calls his mask a “vestige of the vox populi” ­ what does he mean? 3. Describe at least 3 other vestiges with which you are familiar.

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BOOK 3 CHAPTER 8­11 QUESTIONS 1. Helen finally tosses Conrad a bone, but he is distracted by a parcel that arrives for him. What is the parcel, and why is this ironic? 2. Why is chapter 8 called “Vultures” ­ who are the vultures, and what must people do to avoid being carrion? 3. What happens to Creedy? 4. What is V’s last request to Eve, and what does it mean (we learn the answer during Eve’s vigil)? 5. Why does Eve imagine multiple faces under the mask, and what does she realize about “V”? What has “V” become to the waiting rioters? 6. What does Finch realize about himself? What does he do? 7. What happens to Harper? What happens to Conrad? How does Helen react? 8. V’s personal vendetta was a means to an end. What was the end? 9. How does Eve keep her promise to give V a viking’s funeral ­ action and destination? What does each mean? 10. Eve promises to “help them build” (260) but obviously needs assistance. Whom does she choose, and why is this important? *Bonus!: Why does the novel end the way it does, not in the Shadow Gallery? What does the final scene mean?

BOOK 3 CHAPTER 8­11 ACTIVITY “Valhalla”

According to Norse mythology, Valhalla is the resting place of fallen soldiers. Half of the people who die in battle are chosen by the ruler of Asgard, Odin, to travel to this magnificent hall and join various heroes and fallen kings in preparation for Ragnarök (the end of the world). In the chapter “Valhalla,” V asks Evey to give him a viking’s funeral. The vikings were a Norse culture, and they believed in in Valhalla as an afterlife to look forward to. Cremation was a common practice: the corpse would be placed on a pyre and burned at a degree so hot that only tiny pieces of bone and gold would be left. The column of smoke created by the fire would be made as large as possible to help carry the soul toward the afterlife.

1. When V asks Evey to give him a viking’s funeral, we are presented with “irony” ­ when the opposite of what you expect happens or is said. Think back to the beginning, when V introduces himself to Evey. Why is his request ironic, especially considering the chapter’s title? 2. Do you know any of the inhabitants of Valhalla? Some of them are key characters in currently popular Marvel movies. List them and what they have in common. 3. Do you think Odin would choose someone like V for life in Valhalla? Explain why or why not.