Reading and Discussion Questions on Heinlein's Starship Troopers
This novel is a traditional Bildungsroman, a novel of development. How does it fit into Campbell's plan of the hero's journey? What aspects of the journey does Heinlein emphasize in particular?The quotations at the beginning of each chapter are carefully set up to summarize the action or point of each segment of the novel. You can use them to set up your Gliederung or anatomy of the novel.
What are Heinlein's methods of "verification": how does he make us believe in this future world? In particular, how does he use language to create the enviornment of the colonial marines?Heinlein was something of a pioneer in his presentation of women in SF. What is his attitude towards women in this story? Does it seem progressive or reactionary?There was a period during the 70's when Starship Troopers was often accused of being a "fascist" book. Why would people call it that? Do you think the book really is fascist? Does it advocate rule by a priviledged elite? Is it racist or xenophobic or sexist? Do you think the book glorifies war?
What is Heinlein's attitude towards authority in this book? How does authority work in this military? How does Johnny's attitude towards authority change throughout the book?Does it make any sense to see Starship Troopers as a utopian novel? Is the world it creates an ideal one in any way?
Do you think James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd had read Starship Troopers and were consciously trying to integrate it into the movie Aliens? What aspects of that move seem drawn from Heinlein?
Last update: 1/15/97