Essay Questions

Explain what triggers the war between humans and Taurans. What brings the war to an end?

The war between humans and Taurans is caused by a little misunderstanding over lost ships due to accidents. Humans with vested interests use the disappearance of ships as an excuse to start a war. The war is brought to an end after humanity clone called man starts communicating with Taurans. The communication between them unravels the issue of misunderstanding as the basis of the conflict. After this realization, they both decide to end the war.

Why did governments encourage homosexuality? Did Mandella join a same-gender sexual orientation?

The governments encouraged homosexuality to curb overpopulation. The rate of unemployment has increased and the resources are unevenly distributed. As a result, the governments have resorted to using homosexuality to prevent more reproductions. However, Mandella does not join homosexuality and he feels isolated from new society. Mandella and his lover Potter are amazed by the new turn of events. Surprisingly, Mandella’s mother has joined homosexuality.

Explain why the book is widely perceived as a portrayal of the author’s life?

People perceive the novel to be based on Joe Haldeman’s life during military service in the Vietnam War. The main character in the book is Mandella and Joe’s surname is Mandella. The protagonist’s lover is called Potter just as the author’s wife, Mary Gay Potter. After the war in Vietnam, the author returned to America to find a changed society. People were engaging in homosexuality to his surprise. Similarly, the main character in the book returns to Earth only to find governments encouraging homosexuality.