1. What motivates Control (John Rodriguez)? How is he transformed by his interviews with the biologist?

2. What makes the Southern Reach so skilled at manipulation? Who are the most fragile team members? Which ones excel at deception?

3. How is Control affected by the legacies of his parents?

4. Discuss the evocative imagery that permeates the novel. How are the threats from the organic world woven with technological threats?

5. What gives the Voice the power to intimidate? What does it take to topple power in Area X?

6. What enables Grace to balance loyalty with wisdom and instinct? What makes her a survivor?

7. As the waves churn in the final scene, where do you think the characters will emerge in the next book?