Jurassic Park

Although Jurassic Park functions as an adventurous science-fiction novel, it also serves as an allegory for modern human-created problems. Ian Malcolm says, “Life finds a way” (179), but the author seems to pose a question on whether humans will one day send themselves into extinction.

Reflect on the key plot points and character actions in the novel. How does Jurassic Park illustrate The Dangers of Unchecked and Profit-Driven Scientific Advancement? In what ways does Humanity’s Desire to Conquer Nature relate to these dangers and in some senses cause them? Finally, how is Jurassic Park demonstrative of the fact that Money Corrupts Absolutely as shown through what happens to its characters and to the park itself?

Teaching Suggestion: The purpose of this discussion/analysis prompt is to tie together the novel’s central themes. Students might benefit from initial discussion in small groups on the novel’s arguments about the current state of humanity and choices made by individuals and entities in regard to scientific advancement. An individual written response can then serve as a way to both tie together the unit and prepare students for assessment.