The Measure

Discuss the question of what makes a family, in the context of the book. How does Erlick explore this issue, and what conclusions does the novel come to?

Throughout the novel, various characters make leaps of faith in their journeys to find purpose and happiness despite the length of their strings. Choose three characters, and discuss their leaps of faith.

How does Erlick use string discrimination to explore the various types of discrimination operating in the United States? Consider both the ways that people justify their discrimination, and the pressures that those faced with discrimination feel.

Analyze the role of the media in The Measure. How does the novel handle the media’s role in this global event? What does Erlick say about the role and responsibility of the media in these circumstances?

Trace Jack’s journey through the novel. How does his relationship with Javier change Jack throughout the novel? What is his transformation?

Throughout The Measure, Erlick explores the government response to the strings, as well as other institutions such as schools. How does she examine institutional responses to the strings, and how does her discussion of them connect to similar real-world issues?

The Measure is told from multiple points of view of characters that are only, in some cases, tangentially connected. What is the effect of telling this story this way? Why did Erlick choose this strategy?

Explore Erlick’s use of Greek mythology in The Measure. How does it add additional layers of meaning to the novel, and deepen the story’s meaning?