Burden Valley Blog
Questions about Z for Zachariah
Ann's Initial Fear
Fear versus need for companionship
Ann's vanity
Ann's self-awareness and objectivity
Is Ann more Ethical or Selfish?
Is Ann kind to help the stranger?
What is Loomis's character?
Ann's guilt & Loomis's forgiveness
Ann's hopes to have a family and preserve the human race
Should Ann hide her feelings?
Nightmares and the "murder" of Edward
Feelings about Loomis's recovery
Who is more possessive?
Should Ann hide knowing about Edward?
What does Ann know of Loomis?
The "handholding incident"
Should Ann hide her concerns?
Is Ann paranoid?
Is Loomis a rapist?
A reasonable compromise?
Control of the tractor & store
Why does Loomis hunt Ann?
What is the main cause of conflict?
The "murder" of Faro
Who is more insane?
Why doesn't Loomis shoot Ann?
Why is Edward important?
Is it sensible to leave the valley?
What is Ann's responsibility?
What do literary references imply?
Questions about symbolism
Are science & technology sinister?
The story's message, or theme
General Comments
After entering the valley up till he meets Ann
...
His account about his past
His attitude about his radiation poisoning and Ann's allowing it
Helpfulness
His attitude towards Ann
Signs of impatience or annoyance