State of Fear

Instructor Questions - State of Fear

Does Michael Creighton make the book more interesting by jumping from one scene/subject to another scene/subject throughout the book?

In the book State of Fear the author identifies each chapter by a geographical name and timestamp; for example, chapter 1 is titled PARIS NORD, SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2004. 12:00 PM; chapter 2 is titled PHANG, TUESDAY, MAY 11, 11:55 A.M. and continues with this naming convention throughout the book. I believe the chapter naming convention is a very effective way to get the reader on track and gives an understanding that the book has moved on to a different scene. The book is similar to the television series 24 in that the clock is ticking and simultaneous events are occurring that one must understand to grasp the full storyline. Because of this approach, the book jumps from scene to scene and builds individual storylines which are ultimately tied together by the reader as he/she progresses through the book. In my opinion the author style of jumping from one scene to another was very effective.

Does the airplane scene involving Kenner and Evans debating environmental beliefs cause the reader to feel as if one we went from reading fiction to fact? If so, is this good or bad?
During an airplane ride two characters in the book, Evans – a lawyer representing NERF; and Kennedy - a friend of George Morton - a philanthropist supporting environmental organizations, began talking about environmental issues that a large majority of people believe are fact. Kennedy, through a series of questions concerning environmental myths, chipped away at what once was believed by Evans as fact. After each question Kennedy would give detailed statistics and pointed out how the media and environmental groups had failed to disclose certain aspects of many studies. During this portion of the book a significant amount of detailed scientific data was presented which could ultimately persuade a reader to question his/her current belief on issues of global warming. I felt the information was so well presented it could be easily taken as factually-based information and persuaded me to want to do additional research. I believe this was a good thing.

Wordle - State of Fear

Book Blog - State of Fear by Michael Crichton

State of Fear by Michael Crichton

The introduction of the book is a brief synopsis of the storyline of the entire book; missing the details and intrigue of course. The book focuses on the alleged effects of global warming and the Pacific island nation of Vanutu. The Island of Vanutu is just a few feet above sea level and with the impending sea level rise due to global warming the inhabitants of the island would need to be evacuated or suffer the consequences of the supposedly rising sea levels. The National Environment Resource Fund (NERF) files a lawsuit against the EPA because the United States is allegedly the largest contributor to global warming; therefore, has the most significant impact on the island of Vanutu.

Beginning in the first chapter it's clear that the book is a thriller that involves espionage and murder. One of the first scenes has an attractive and seductive woman named Marisa speaking with a graduate student in a laboratory. Marshall, overcome by Marisa’s flirtatious and seductive personality, shares information concerning the laboratories research findings concerning wave generation and the effects of tsunamis on coastlines. As the plot progresses, Marisa gains all the knowledge needed form Marshall and he is disposed of in a river after being poisoned.

The next scene jumps to another area in the world – Kuala Lumpur. The primary characters in this scene involve Charles Ling who had arrived from Hong Kong the previous night and a man using an alias - Allan Peterson. “Allan” was meeting Ling to purchase three extremely large cavitation generators. After a successful demonstration of a cavitation generator, Peter agreed to purchase three of the units be available in the future. The plot thickens!

Hatherley -Ethos, Pathos, Logos