The Wall, John Lanchester Flashcards
What climatic event is referred to as the ‘Change’?
A significant event that has altered life, outlawing movement between countries and obliterating beaches.
What is the National Coastal Defence Structure commonly known as?
The Wall.
What do the Defenders patrol?
10,000km of concrete walkways.
What is the general atmosphere of life on the Wall described as?
Cold, boring, and grim.
Who is the narrator of the story?
Kavanagh.
What is a euphemism for state-coordinated slavery in the novel?
Help.
What do ‘Others’ refer to in the context of the narrative?
Incomers who attempt to cross the Wall.
What is Kavanagh’s view of the older generation?
He is disgusted by ‘the olds’ for being responsible for the Change.
What does Lanchester’s novel critique about society?
Rising sea levels, anti-refugee populism, and intergenerational conflict.
What is one flaw mentioned regarding the characters in The Wall?
Underdeveloped characters, particularly the women.
Who are some contemporary authors of dystopian narratives mentioned?
- George Saunders
- Margaret Atwood
- Charlie Brooker
- Naomi Alderman
- Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
What type of novel is The Wall described as?
An environmental fable.
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