Station Eleven

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is the meaning of the expression “life imitates art?” Can you think of an example of life imitating art?

Teaching Suggestion: Station Eleven is named after a comic book series in the novel. The comic series parallels the life of the characters in Mandel’s novel and relates to the theme of The Relationship Between Art and Life. It may be helpful to discuss the various ways life imitates art and some inventions inspired or created by authors' imaginings.

• This article describes some technological advances that seem to mirror science fiction.
• This video includes some of the unusual ways life has imitated art.

2. What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic? Name some notable pandemics that have occurred throughout history. What are the societal consequences of a pandemic?

Teaching Suggestion: Station Eleven is set in a post-apocalyptic world following a worldwide pandemic. The effects of the Georgia Flu on society are catastrophic for the characters in the novel. Students may benefit from discussing the various pandemics throughout history and their consequences on society.

• This 11-minute video describes the various pandemics and epidemics throughout history.
• This article compares the consequences of the Black Death, Smallpox, the Spanish Flu, and COVID-19 and how they impact those on the margins the most.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Consider what it would be like to live in a fallen society. What features of modern culture would disappear? What impact would the fall of technology have on your culture? What new skills would you need to survive, and how would your interpersonal relationships change? What societal rules and restrictions would be unnecessary in a fallen society?

Teaching Suggestion: In the novel, the main characters grapple with the changes to their lives following the fall of society. Consider permitting students to respond to the questions above and providing time to generate ideas with peers and to discuss as a group.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who require an additional challenge, consider allowing them to further research societal norms and what makes them integral to society and stability. Students may want to create a list that ranks societal norms from most to least essential for a smoothly functioning society, and then present their findings.