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Avatar Viewing Guide: A Lesson on Imperialism

1. In the very beginning of the movie, Jake Sully explains what has happened to him to end his military career. Summarize his experiences.

2. As Sully arrives in Pandora, what are his first impressions?

3. Why is Sully going to Pandora? What happened to his brother?

4. Why is Grace angry about Sully being there? What does she say regarding his qualifications?

5. What is an avatar? What is the purpose of avatars?

6. How does Sully end up away from Grace and his team? What is thought of his survival?

7. How does Sully meet Neytiri for the first time? What does she think of Sully?

8. According to Selfrige’s discussion with Grace, why are the Americans in Pandora?

9. How do Americans view the Na’vi people? What comments are made about the Na’vi?

10. What is Ewya? What do the seeds of Ewya reveal?

11. The Na’vi people greet one another with “I see you” when they meet. What does this mean?

12. What is the tree of life? What is its significance?

13. How does Sully gain acceptance among the Na’vi people?

14. How does Colonel Quaritch react to Sully’s concern for the Na’vi people?

15. Why do the Americans become violent and attack the Na’vi people? How is this similar to the age of imperialism? Provide details or examples?

16. What events or situations in the movie relate to the age of imperialism? Provide details on the comparison.

17. Describe the transformation that Sully undergoes throughout the film. How does he change? What influences his change?

18. How is the Na’vi way of life different from that of Americans? Which is better and why?

19. Describe how the Na’vi people respect and value their environment versus the Americans. What do each value?

20. How does this film bring awareness of imperialistic ideas of America? What suggestions are made in the film about America’s goals and existence? How are we imperialistic? How does this film demonstrate the motives and reasons for imperializing that we have talked about in class? Provide examples and explain each. ANSWER THIS IN ESSAY FORMAT