Two Degrees

Re-read the last chapter, titled “Two Degrees.” How does the theme of Human Connection and the Natural World take on new meaning in this chapter? How do the events and messages in this chapter also serve to emphasize and strengthen the messages conveyed in the novel’s three storylines?

Teaching Suggestion: The chapter title echoes the book’s title. It can be interpreted multiple ways, including the many ways in which people are connected—sometimes within two coincidental points of acquaintance—and the danger of the Earth’s temperature rising two degrees. The class might re-read the chapter together, or students could review the text individually, then meet in small groups to discuss the prompt. If time allows, students might seek to discover new ways they are connected by points of commonality; for example, two students may realize they have visited the same tourist point of interest or have family members who play the same sport.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who might benefit from an additional challenge could develop a literary analysis paper focusing on the use of the title in the chapter and overall book. Students should focus on incorporating clear details from the novel to build their analysis.