Norman is the novel’s single narrator. How does his training as a psychologist inform his narrative? At what point does his narration become unreliable? In what way? Using textual evidence, show how this change in Norman affects the plot’s tension and suspense. Compare this to one other work of fiction in which a reliable narrator becomes unreliable. How are they similar and dissimilar?

The novel initially suggests that the team believes the unknown spacecraft is alien. How does this suggestion inform their response? How does it leave the characters open to the possibility the sphere is also of alien origin? Do they reach this conclusion too quickly? Explain, using textual evidence.

At the beginning of the novel, Norman’s focus is on his family and the tension that being called away days before the Fourth of July places on his marriage. What does this connection to his family say about Norman’s character? How does it inform his behavior as the plot develops? Does his focus change as events transpire within the plot? Explain, using textual evidence.