Charlie Thorne And The Last Equation

Carter accuses Charlie of disrespecting authority, and Charlie proves this to be true as she is rebellious and resistant to any authority figures (her parents, her professors, Dante, or the CIA). Is her attitude justified or not? When does her rebellious streak prove useful, and when does it become a problem?

Describe the character development and changes that occur for both Charlie and Dante throughout the novel. What elements inspire these changes in character, and how do their interactions influence each other?

Based on Dante’s description of terrorist groups and the depiction of the Furies from their own perspective, how would you characterize the Furies and their beliefs? What is the basis for their dissatisfaction with the world and their lives, and why is their scapegoating of immigrants harmful and problematic? How do the Furies compare to real-world scenarios?

Dante argues that those like Charlie, with special talents, must use those talents for the betterment of the world. Would you agree with this argument? Why or why not?

Is Carter justified in distrusting Charlie and believing that she and other criminals cannot change and must, therefore, be dealt with by whatever means necessary? Does your assessment change from the beginning to the end of the novel? Explain using examples from the text.

How might you address the ethical implications of science and scientists’ moral obligations to humanity versus the drive for pure discovery? Are scientific discovery and morality always in opposition? Why or why not?

If you were in Charlie’s position of finding Pandora, what would you do with it? Would you give it to the CIA or the US government? Why or why not?

How might you characterize the “girl power” tone that underlies much of the novel? How does this attitude thread throughout and influence the overarching themes?