The Music of Bees

What advice might help someone like Harry, who has social anxiety? What methods prove to be the most beneficial for this condition? Cite the text and references from your research in developing an argument.

What advice might help someone like Jake, who experiences depression following a dramatic change in life circumstances? Cite the text and references from your research in developing an argument.

What advice might help someone like Alice, who is struggling to come to terms with bereavement and has panic attacks? Cite the text and references from your research in developing an argument.

The novel examines a community opposing a pesticide producer. Pesticides are designed to kill pests. What other effects do they have in the novel? In general, are all pesticides harmful to the environment? How? Are pesticide residues harmful to humans? How? Cite the text and references from your research in developing an argument.

The novel focuses on the role of local government in regulating pesticides. Examine the role of government at both the local and national level in this area. Research some of the major federal laws regarding pesticides. Are they sufficient? Why or why not? Cite the text and references from your research in developing an argument.

The novel tracks some of the local politics surrounding the use of pesticides. Research the “revolving door” in Washington, DC, that enables large biotech companies (such as Monsanto) to gain regulatory approval for their products. Is this in the public interest? If not, what can be done to reform the system that produces it? Cite references from your research in developing an argument.

Pick a character in The Music of Bees and describe the character’s strengths and weaknesses. How do these character traits contribute to the character’s limitation and growth throughout the novel? Cite the text in your response.

Compare and contrast the characters Harry and Jake. How are they different from each other, and what might they have in common? How do they both develop over the course of the novel? How do they help each other grow? Cite the text in your response.