Essay Questions

What does Brown mean by the following quote: "Tradition is the crown of the tyrant?"

In this quote, Brown is commenting upon the nature of tyranny and how tyrannical regimes often rely upon tradition to prosper. For example, the society in this novel is based on traditional opinions regarding "gold" and "red" people, and these traditions keep people from realizing their true potential. As such, in this novel, Brown shows how tradition plays a part in the functioning of tyrannical regimes.

Is Golden Son a dystopian text?

The Red Rising trilogy is certainly dystopian, and Brown employs many typical dystopian elements in Golden Son. For example, the Martian society in this text is totalitarian, meaning it has excessive power and influence over the lives of its citizens. People are controlled in their daily lives, and the reds in particular often live a miserable existence. Darrow is a typical rebellious dystopian protagonist, who tries to return the society to some kind of justice.

What is the holoNet?

The "holoNet" is a concept created by Brown and is essentially an advanced version of the internet. This form of the internet can be accessed across the galaxy, and is the means by which different planets can communicate with one another. This creation of advanced technology is another key dystopian element Brown employs in Golden Son.