Uglies

Westerfeld writes a novel in which a seemingly utopian society is revealed to be taking advantage of its populace. How does he foreshadow the true nature of his futuristic world?

Tally is a character who is very motivated by relationships. Pick three of her relationships in the novel, either positive or negative. Describe each relationship and how it influences Tally.

What does beauty mean to Tally at the beginning of the book? What does it mean to Shay? How have these perspectives changed by the end of the novel?

Compare the cities, Smoke, and “Rusty” society. What are the similarities between the three? The differences? Which, in your opinion, is the best and why?

Describe Shay and Tally’s friendship, focusing on the things that make their relationship strong and the things that make it weak. Based on this assessment, explain whether you believe Shay would or would not have forgiven Tally for her betrayal if Shay hadn’t had the surgery.

Tally makes many promises throughout the novel. Pick three of her promises, describe them, and outline whether she ultimately kept them.

David goes from being a near-mythical figure to someone that Tally may be in love with. What makes David different from other boys Tally has known? Why is Tally drawn to him in a way she has not been drawn to anyone else?

Who has the most control in the novel? How do you see that control being exerted? Who do you think has the potential to take control?