Ender's Game Chapters 3-7

How is Ender different from the other boys?

Ender does not laugh at their childish jokes. He figures out how to strap himself in without the help of an adult.

What does Mick tell Ender will help him succeed at the academy?

Mick tells Ender, "Make friends. Be a leader. Kiss butts if you've got to..."

Why does Graff say Peter hates Ender?

"Your brother hates you because you are living proof that he wasn't good enough."

Ender sees Alai as a bridge. Explain.

Alai is Bernard's best friend and now Ender's friend. "The launch is no longer divided into Bernard's in-group and Ender's outcasts."

What is ironic about the boys taking all of the good bunks and leaving Ender with the bottom bunk by the door?

Ender and the boys find out later the bottom bunk is usually reserved for the elected officer of the Launchies.

Ender feels Peter would be proud of him because of his victory over the giant. Explain.

Ender has to choose between his own death and killing the giant. Acting like a murderer even in a game, reminds Ender of Peter's attitudes of control at any cost.

Why do Ender's parents resent him?

Ender is a constant reminder of past noncompliance in the families of Ender's parents. Ender's parents want to evade their past.

What explanation does Graff give for the prediction that Ender's parents will not miss him for long?

Ender is a constant reminder to his parents of their past nonconformity. Ender's life is a source of tension for his parents.

What is ironic about Colonel Graff taking Ender's hand?

Ender is going to an academy to become a soldier who will hopefully lead the fight to save humanity.

Ender is not moved to tears when Dap gives him a loving touch. How is Ender able to put his "lying face"?

Ender put on his "lying face" when when he did not want his parents to know Peter had been mistreating him. He could face any emotion with "dry eyes and silent weeping" thanks to Peter.

Why does Ender want to finish the game?

Ender thinks the snake will lead him to one of the villages where he can "just live" like other children.

How does Ender stop Bernard's attempt to be "ruler of the room," and why is he happy about it?

Ender uses his intelligence instead of violence and breaks the security system used on the desks. He sends messages to all the desks making fun of Bernard and signs them "God."

What gives Ender the confidence that he can survive Battle School?

Ender wins two out of three games against older boys. Just by watching and understanding the game, Ender can excel.

What reasons does Ender give for not wanting to join the fleet? What reasons does Ender give for joining the fleet?

Fear is Ender's reason for not wanting to join the fleet. He remembers the death, suffering, and terror seen in the propaganda films he has been forced to see at least once a year. Ender remembers and resents the government's use of children to fight the strong, powerful bugger fleet. Ender feels he must join the fleet to fulfill his purpose for living. He was created for the purpose of war.

What plans does the military have for Ender?

Graff and his cohorts want Ender to become the greatest military leader in history. They want to save humanity under Ender's leadership.

How does Graff set Ender up to be ostracized?

Graff brags that Ender will be the commander one day. He calls the other boys names and says, "...you (boys) don't have the brains to handle deep-space piloting." Graff even says, "I'm betting on only one."

How does Graff conclude Ender is the one?

Graff is pleased with Ender's post-monitor behavior. Ender's protecting himself from possible retaliation of Stilson's gang, no matter how violent, wins over the soldiers and convinces them Ender belongs in the academy.

How does Graff feel about Ender?

Graff likes Ender, but he is willing to do anything it takes to make Ender the greatest military leader of all time. Even if it means destroying Ender in the process, Graff will be loyal to the cause of saving humanity.

How does Graff blaspheme God?

Graff says if Ender is not the military leader who can save the human race, then God must be a bugger.

Ender imagines the Salamander Army as the wolves in the game. What gives Ender hope in the midst of these "wolves" ?

Remembering Alai makes Ender realize there will probably be a person worth knowing in this army too.

How do you know Ender's isolation is over?

Shen eats and talks with Ender at breakfast. Two other Launchies join them.

Why do Ender's parents have a Third?

The government gave the Wiggins direct instructions to have a Third. The government wanted the Wiggins to have a child that was half Peter and half Valentine.

The military wants Ender to be isolated without friends or parents. Why?

The military knows keeping Ender isolated is the best way to train him to handle problems with buggers without needing help from anyone.

Under what pretense does the International Fleet (I.F) officer come to Ender's home?

The officer wants an explanation for Ender's behavior toward Stilson.

Graff tells Ender not to talk to him. Why?

The other boys will think Ender is "licking up." This will cause resentment toward Ender.

What does the following statement foreshadow? "He [Bernard] tightens up when he's flying. He panics. Ender stored the information away for future reference."

The statement foreshadows future confrontation between Bernard and Ender.

What changes Ender's perception of his first meeting with the Salamander Army?

When the soldiers cry "Salamander" in one voice, Ender realizes his experience with Madrid was merely ritual. Madrid is strengthening the control of his army when he shows contempt for Ender.