Values Continuum forReady Player One by Ernst Cline

Designate two different areas of the room “agree” and “disagree” with the middle of the room representing “neutral.” Explain to participants that the purpose of this activity is to encourage discussion and be respectful and open-minded of other opinions – the room is safe and confidential zone. The facilitator will read a statement and participants will go to the space that represents their opinion (agree-neutral-disagree). Ask everyone to raise their hands to explain their own rationale for their physical location. Move on to a different statement when the discussion lulls.* To begin, read the example statement.

Example Statement: I really enjoyed reading this book.

Socio Economic Status and Poverty

·  After reading this novel, I have a deeper understanding of how socio-economic classes can affect an individual’s life.

·  I would surrender my anonymity if it meant being rich and famous.

·  Like Wade, I think money could solve most problems

·  I have come from or know of a family of poverty and can relate to sleeping on the floor.

·  After reading this novel I am more aware of the threat big businesses pose in the economy.

·  I think obesity is a growing problem and should be monitored by the government.

Self-Awareness

·  After reading Ready Player One I am more conscious of people's inner beauty opposed to their outer beauty.

·  I would like the idea of having an avatar so that I could portray my ideal self to others.

·  At one point, Wade arranged a meeting via a chat room with Nolan Sorrento. Sorrento threatened Wade and said if he left the chat room without receiving Wade’s full cooperation, he would blow up his trailer home. If I were faced with Wade’s choice of staying in the chat room to prevent the explosion or leaving the chat room to escape Sorrento and his plan to cheat, I would have left the chat room.

·  It is important to stand up and fight for what you believe in even if that means going against the status quo.

·  This book made me eager to overcome challenges in my life.

·  If I had won Halliday’s Easter egg contest, I would have shared my earnings like Wade did.

Interpersonal Relationships

·  It is possible to fall in love with someone you have never met in person.

·  Relationships that begin online cannot end well.

·  During the beginning stages of the hunt, Wade was willing to give Art3mis the clue of playing on the left side during Joust. If I were in Wade’s shoes, I also would have given her the hint.

·  Having trust in others is important in order to obtain success in life.

·  Anonymity of the avatars in Ready Player One added excitement to Halliday’s Easter Egg Hunt.

Technology & Energy

·  A situation similar to the energy Crisis depicted in Ready Player One could happen in real life.

·  This book made me consider how much of our world depends on technology.

·  Interaction through technology is just as good, if not better, than face to face interaction.

·  If the technology were available when I went to high school, I would have wanted to create an avatar and go to an online school with other avatars.

·  After reading Ready Player One I will pay more attention to the time I spend in virtual worlds.

·  I hope technology will one day advance to the level portrayed in Ready Player One.

·  The OASIS was a good invention.

·  I would like an OASIS in our world.

·  Fantasy is better than reality.

*You do not have to use all the statements below.