They Both Die at the End

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. In They Both Die at the End, readers must accept the existence of “Death-Cast,” a company that calls individuals to notify them that they have only 24 hours to live. Thus, readers are forced to suspend disbelief about reality in order to become immersed in the novel. Brainstorm other science fiction titles that ask readers to suspend disbelief. Is it possible to go too far?

Teaching Suggestion: You can use this as an opportunity to discuss with students the premise of the novel and to prepare them for the fact of the title—both Mateo and Rufus die at the end. You can also use this question to encourage students to think more deeply about the novel’s characters.

• This Philosophy Talk article details why people willingly suspend disbelief when they encounter media.
• This New York Times article explains the etymology and meaning of “suspension of disbelief.”

2. What other novels are you aware of that include LGBTQ+ characters?

Teaching Suggestion: Many students may not be aware of titles that include LGBTQ+ characters, either as protagonists or supporting characters. If a student names a novel that does not include a queer character as the protagonist, discuss why that role may be reserved for a straight character. You can also discuss the kinds of plots that center around LGBTQ+ characters. How often are they “coming out” stories? What effect might this have on readers?

• We Are Teachers has a list of children’s books with LGBT characters.
• Penguin Random House has compiled what it calls “The Ultimate LGBTQIA+ Pride Book List” that includes novels, poetry, memoirs, and nonfiction by and about LGBTQ+ individuals.