Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What influence do the '60s and '70s have on the subjects explored in The Lathe of Heaven? Why were these issues important at the time? How would the story have been different if it were written today? What would George be dreaming of?
- How does The Lathe of Heaven compare to other novels in the sci-fi genre? Is it similar or different? Why does Ursula Le Guin use sci-fi to explore issues in The Lathe of Heaven? How would it work differently as a romance novel, or even some other genre?
- What you think the world would have looked like in The Lathe of Heaven if Dr. Haber had been able to achieve his goal? How would the world have changed if his dream had been effective and not destructive? Would you want to live in that world? Why or why not?
- What is the role of Heather in The Lathe of Heaven? Would the novel be different without her? What would it look like if it were told from her point of view? How does her character introduce the issue of race, and how does Ursula LeGuin deal with that difficult topic?
- What is up with those aliens in The Lathe of Heaven? Why do they talk in riddles, and why are they basically giant sea turtles? How do they fit into the overall philosophical theme of the novel?