Prey

Jack reflects that parasitism and symbiosis are often the cornerstones of evolutionary development. Compare two examples of symbiotic relationships found in the novel and explore the developments they bring about.

Most of Julia’s interactions with Jack are irritable, defiant, or even hostile, and Jack suspects this is due to a secret she is keeping. Compare and contrast the consequences to keeping secrets—in both romantic and business relationships—that Crichton explores.

Jack reflects that “the human sense of self-control and purposefulness […] is a user illusion” (261). If he is correct, are Julia and Ricky accountable for their mistakes? How does the possible illusion of free will complicate notions of justice, punishment, and accountability?

Jack argues that some species work more effectively and efficiently than humans because they do not have a centralized command figure. Explore the necessity of a centralized command for a thriving society. Is it possible to have a just, streamlined society of people without a central decision-making apparatus? Discuss your reasons.

Why does Jack claim that a certain amount of randomness is necessary for innovation? Is it truly inconceivable that a technological project could progress from conception to fruition without random, inexplicable events? Why or why not?

Jack’s programming skills do not change or diminish when he is fired from MediaTronics, yet this taints him for other Silicon Valley companies. Explore why the technological startups of the era might refuse to hire a skilled programmer with a well-demonstrated history of effectiveness and what liability he might present for them.

Julia and Ricky released the swarm into the environment on purpose. Given Crichton’s reflections on Silicon Valley, explore why scientists might knowingly release potentially-dangerous technology before its full potential has been tested. Do you see any parallels to the behavior of contemporary tech companies?

Over the long term, Jack does not believe that humanity is likely to act in its own best interest. Does this make him a pessimist, or is he simply being rational? Is describing a negative situation realistically while supporting it with data pessimism? Why or why not?