Legality vs Morality 🎓

Utilitarianism 

In a nutshell, this is a branch of philosophy that believes the right thing to do is the option that causes the least amount of harm to the most people - for example the Trolley Car Scenario that you've looked at in Social Studies.  

To escalate it, think about the doctor's conundrum that is put forward in this video (about ten minutes in).

The Moral Side of Murder:

Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do? Episode 01 "THE MORAL SIDE OF MURDER"

Task...

Task: Write a paragraph that put forwards your ideas in response to this - make sure you state what the consequences of each decision would be. Like the heckler in the theatre, see if you can come up with an alternative option.  

Structure of your paragraph: Begin with a general statement about the problem (is it better to do something that will harm one person, but save many others, or is it better to save one and harm many). For example, you might say: The idea that it is better to harm one person in order to save many is not new.  

Then put forward the example-  For example, suppose, for a moment, you are a doctor… 

Next, explain the consequences of both options. 

Then You Add your personal opinion, and explain why you think this. You can connect it to Unwind if you want to - it may support one argument more than the other.

The Writing....

You are located in a hospital, south west of Canada. You are the doctor with a huge decision is it better to harm one person and save many others, or to save one and harm many? Well, the decision to harm one person in order to save other's isn't a new idea at all in this world - like the war's we harmed some yet saved many others. For example as a doctor you could have chosen the path to save 5 people and harm one, which means you would have on family mad at you, or you could save 1 and harm 5 others which means 5 people's own families would be mad at you. I think if I was the doctor I would see what other ways we could work around it, like if they need organs to create something temporary when waiting for them (we have the technology now days). Or just create better and safer ways to protect everyone, because 5 people's lives are very important yet equally that 1 person's life is the same. It doesn't matter who they are, where they came from or what they do YOU have to make the decision. Well I don't agree with harming anyone. Like in the book Unwind they believe taking healthy teenagers body parts to save other people where really they are killing off the future generation in order to create more life. To me unwinding and even taking someone's life to save other's is the most stuffed up thing ever, if they WANT to donate their body THEY should be allowed. Case Closed.

Character Profiles || Unwind 👥

Creating Profile Charcter Sheets, I have decided to make a prezi. This prezi includes character profiles about Connor, Risa, Lev and Cy-Fi. Just note there are no pictures of these characters since they are in the book but from going off the book I have tried my best to discuss them. Click the "Presentation" link below to view.

Presentation...

Part Seven - Consciousness || Unwind 👀

How is it that Connor was not unwound? p318 

Because of the Clappers, Connors arm was managed and since the building blew up except when Connor woke up from a coma they called him "Mr Mullard" which was an ID found at the wreckage so they put it with Connor. It said Mr Mullard is 18, so Connor has a new identity since you can't get unwound at 18.

Whose arm does he now have?

There was a shark tattoo on the arm, which belonged to Roland.

Risa tells Connor how she won't be unwound. Do you think her decision to not accept the spine of an Unwind was purely ethical or was she also playing the system in order to stay alive? 

I think she knew what she was doing because they can't unwind someone if they aren't 100% since there are laws against unwinding someone if they are disabled so Risa decided to stay paralysed.

Since the explosions at Happy Jack, what have people been doing? What has Cy-Fi's role been in this?

Cy-Fi has been protesting against unwinding along with many others who have been talking about Happy Jack, in the book it states that there have been protests in Washington against it and Cy-Fi was there. People have been protesting so much that they will lower the age of 17 to be an illegal adult which will save half the unwinds.

Lev's parents disown him. Who is trying to become his guardian?

Lev's brother, Marcus is willing to become his guardian.

Why has Pastor Dan resigned?

Pastor Dan states to Lev he has resigned soon follow by his reasoning when he says... "I still very much believe in God- just not a god who condones human tithing." So he doesn't want to be around making children accept that tithing is a good thing.

Explain what has happened to Harlan Dunfee. What do you think about the Admiral and his wife's plan? Was it what you expected?  

Not at all especially with all the rumours going around what happened to him. I think they were only doing good because they regret unwinding their son and so they got him almost back by getting children with his parts back home for his birthday.

Who takes over the graveyard?

I'm pretty sure Connor takes it over with Hayden, Risa and every other unwind there to help. Which in my opinion is a good choice since Connor has gone through a rough journey, he is the perfect fit.

Part Six - Unwound || Unwind 🤔

Connor and Risa are sent to Happy Jack Harvest Camp. Describe what it is like, and explain why it is like this.

Happy Jack Harvest Camp is described as a tropical resort. It is filled with bright colours and the "staff" are wearing happy floral and bright colours. It's basically trying to trick you into thinking it's okay to be unwound.

What is the exact percentage of the Unwind that you have to keep alive? Why is it not 100%, as Risa believes?

It is 99.44% of an unwind that you have to keep alive. It's not 100% or you may as well leave the person living just as they are since they have all of their organs and their original parts.

What do the unwinds call the place where unwinding occurs?

They call the place the "Chop Shop" which is quite funny.

Lev too is at Happy Jack, but as a tithe. Why is this?  

I think it's because he was born a tithe so he will stay one. I'm pretty sure it's down on his file or something and since he got "kidnapped" he is still classed as one.

Connor and Roland finally have the fight that's been brewing between them. What does each character realise during this? 

Connor realises that he is the same height as Roland and that Roland doesn't tower over him as he thought and Roland knows he isn't a killer until he kills Connor - which he doesn't because he's scared.

What group has Lev joined, who recruited him, and when will they follow out their plan?  

He joins the Clappers -which are like suicide bombers. I'm pretty sure Cleaver recruited him back at the Graveyard and they were going to carry their plan out at the harvest camp when someone (like them) got unwound or when they least expected it.

Roland is called for unwinding. Why is this?  

Roland is called for his blood type. Roland has a rare blood type that is in demand except I say they could of just let him donate blood instead!

Chapter 61 is arguably the most confronting chapter in the book. Here we have Roland's first person narrative of being unwound. Do you think this chapter is necessary? Why do you think Shusterman chose to have Roland's experience detailed? Do his memories alter how you view him?  

I think it shows us Roland has feelings too and he isn't all as bad. It shows us he is a person too and he doesn't deserve it at all. Chapter 61 is a very touching chapter and I think it is necessary since it sort of redeems Rolands "bad" side and shows us his soft side. In my opinion, Shusterman put Roland's point of view in to see how he feels, and to show us how much he has been through.

Why does Lev decide not to clap?

I feel like because he isn't ready to go yet, yes he's been through so much but he is worth so much more and is way stronger. I think he realises God is wanting to keep him alive and he is better than taking his own life.

Part Five - Graveyard || Unwind ✈️

Which job in the graveyard does Risa get assigned to? How does this come about?

Risa gets the job as one of the medics. She gained this job by helping a kid who was punched by Connor with his nose bleed.

Why doesn't Connor volunteer for "work"?

Because Connor states to others "The Admiral's using us" and so he won't put his hand up because he doesn't want to be used.

How does Roland unsettle Connor?

Roland approaches Connor and places a hand on his shoulder, Connor not knowing who it is, it shocks him a bit. Roland then goes on about the Admirals teeth saying that they aren't his giving Connor the idea that they came from an unwind.

Detail Lev's arrival, and Connor's reaction. Make sure you fill in your character profiles for both characters. 

When Lev first arrives he doesn't spot Connor at first instead he is taking in his surrounding about where he is and all the strangers around him. Compared from when Lev got pulled out of the car in the first chapter- his appearance is no longer prim and proper with white clothing with perfect hair it is now messy unkempt hair, torn jeans and a dirty red t-shirt. Lev is also described with "a hardened" look on him. When Lev's eyes find Connor I feel like he is relieved because he knows someone and that's why he takes a step forward to him. The thing that shocked me was when Connor punched Lev because Lev's reaction was so mature and like nothing you would get from someone who was a tithe. Following along with Connor, I could imagine he is very stressed and after he sees Lev he is happy he is alive except the memory of Lev backstabbing him made him angry so he punched him (he did deserve it.)

Connor learns the truth about the Admiral here. How does the Admiral gain Connor's trust? 

I feel like he gains Connors trust by not only telling him the truth but showing him that the teeth aren't from an unwound and telling him what he goes through to keep all the unwinds safe.

What, according to the Admiral, is it that Connor is becoming famous for in the Graveyard?p212

I'm pretty sure it's how well his ability is to fix things and how when he gets into a fight he fixes stuff.

What happens to the Goldens?

The Goldens got murdered. How? Well they were shoved into the same crate 5 unwinds did when Connor was on his way here and so the Goldens got put into that same crate. Now their were 5 Goldens and the crates only have enough oxygen for 4 kids. So someone put them in the crate and suffocated them.

How does Roland begin to assert his power in the Graveyard? (you'll need to look throughout the section) 

He gets people on his side and to like him meaning no one is going to pick a fight with him since he has other's who will protect him. He also has gained people from being the Helicopter boy which is one of the best jobs at the graveyard.

Give us an insight into how the Unwinding Bill was passed into law. Summarise what happened, then explain whether or not you think it is plausible.  

The way it was created was due to the Heartland War. The Admiral explains to Connor how terrible the war was and then he said "There were dark days leading up to the war. Everything that we think defines right and wrong was being turned upside down. On one side, people were murdering abortion doctors to protect the right to life, while on the other side people were getting pregnant just to sell their fetal tissue. And everyone was selecting their leaders not by their ability to lead, but by where they stood on this single issue. It was beyond madness! Then the military fractured, both sides got hold of weapons of war, and two opinions became two armies determined to destroy each other. And then came the Bill of Life." So he says an argument caused it. You can have an opinion but you should not want to kill people in order to get your point across that is crazy! They should at least keep it to themselves in order for no problems.

The Admiral was there when the Bill of Life was signed - do you think this detracts from the believability of the commonplace nature of Unwinding? In your opinion, do you think the book should have a few more generations between those who signed the Bill, and the present state in the novel? 

Well, I'm quite invested in this book. I think like a flashback would be cool to have put into the book to see what the Admiral was like then. I think it doesn't because the Bill of Life sorta had something to do with unwinding yet it wants there to be life - and it's okay to take it away by a sign?!

What job does Lev volunteer to do?

Lev volunteers to go to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The job here is to be working on an oil pipeline until you're eighteen. It's apparently one of the coldest, most brutal places on Earth.

Which part of Harlan Dunfree does Emby have?

Emby was dying from a lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis when he was younger. So he got a part of Harlan Dunfree's lung.

Chapter 39 is from Roland's point of view. Why do you think Shusterman changes the narrative here? What do we learn in this short chapter? 

I think it's to see what Roland is up too. He is the enemy in the book and we are exploring what is going on in his head. I think Shusterman did this to make us more interested and alert of what could happen in the future.

By the end of this section, things at the Graveyard have deteriorated, with the unwinds turning on the Admiral, and tearing the place apart. Which character is beaten to death on p250? 

Cleaver gets beaten to death, and he was the helicopter pilot.

What does the Admiral refuse on p255? What is the doctor's reaction to this? 

He refuses to have a transplant and the doctor is stressed because they are only used to saving people by replacing the problem instead of fixing it.

Why does Roland have the Juvey-Cops called?

So he could get money plus he doesn't care about Connor anyways. Since you get five hundred dollars if you turn in a runaway unwind.

Why doesn't his plan happen?

Because Roland is an unwind too, so in his case, the Juvey cop could get way more money if he took Connor, Roland Risa.

Part Four - Destinations || Unwind 🧳

This section opens with Lev in a pawnbroker's. What does this tell you about how his character is changing? 

It shows us how Lev is becoming way more mature than he use to be. He is now thinking outside the box and taking charge in order to survive.

While being transported to possible safety, some of the kids on the run wonder, "Would it be better to die or be unwound?" If given the choice, which would you choose? Why? This response requires more than one or two sentences! Put forward at least three reasons why you think what you do. 
In full honesty, I would rather die than get unwound. I state this because I would not like the experience of getting my own body taken away from me, they say people rest in peace and if you are unwound you technically aren't. So if you get unwound you know that's gonna be the end even though it isn't your time yet, verses when you die you sometimes never know and you go fast anyways. I would also die because then not to be selfish but I find my body parts going to someone else creepy and weird, like no thanks.

Another question the kids in the book discussion is, "If every part of you is still alive but inside someone else, are you alive or are you dead?" They also wonder if consciousness can exist even if it's spread out and if the soul remains intact. What do you think? Read Thomas Hobbes' Ship of Theseus puzzle to help you make a decision. Be sure to reference it in your answer!http://metaphysicist.com/puzzles/ship_theseus/
I don't agree with that statement. The reasoning behind it is because, since it's your body part, your soul
won't control it. I would say this because I believe when you are meant to die your soul goes peacefully
up to heaven yet if you are unwound well you get stressed and scared etc. You as a person are dead yet
someone else has a part of you. Like two people could have a part of you and to me, It's like being in the
same place at the same time.

This section of the novel sees Lev and Cy-Fi finally make it to Joplin. As they get closer, Cy-Fi's behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. What are some of the things he does, or things he likes, that are not his own behaviours or memories?
Cy-Fi starts out by saying "Home of Joplin High Eagles - reigning state champions in girls' basketball." Except Cy-Fi gets a bit mad since he doesn't know anything about it. Cy even starts twitching and it claims that walking is difficult for him. The twitching then turns into shuddering that leaves him shivering.

What was Cy-Ty hiding in his backyard?
A chest full of stolen jewels. These jewels were "taken" and he buried them into the back yard in this case he went back and dug them up.

The section ends with Cy-Ty reaching his destination. What do you think of his parents' behaviour? What does Lev's support show you about his character? 
That they are trying to play the victim and act like they have done nothing wrong. They are hesitant but Lev steps up and shows bravery and says something he would of never said or even treated a person that way.

Part Three - Transit || Unwind 🚀

"I was never going to amount to much anyway, but now, statistically speaking, there's a better chance that some part of me will go on to greatness somewhere in the world. I'd rather be partly great than entirely useless." -Samson Ward

Questions...

In the course of the book, Connor and Risa get separated from Lev, who travels for a time with another character. Why do you think Shusterman chose to split the narrative into two distinct threads? What do you think this achieves? How does this affect the evolution of the characters? 

a. I think he did this to give us more of an idea of what could happen if you ran away, you could get help of you could be on your own. He is also introducing a new character (CyFi) who helps Lev a lot. I think this archives the characters feelings for one another and how they adjust to their area.

The novel touches on same-sex relationships. Has the attitude toward same-sex couples changed (for better or worse) in this futuristic society? Explain your response.  

a. I think in our world now we are more supportive of same-sex couples. I think it's just normal for the world now and honestly, there is nothing wrong with it at all. The world is more acceptable for the better but you will still have those people who hate it.

This begins our journey into understanding a little more about Cy-Fi. Through his character, what do you learn about the effects of unwinding on both the donor and receiver? 
a. I think the effects are that the persons body part still has muscle memory and does what the other person use to do with it. So like it keeps its skills and habits.

What is the real reason Cy-Fi need to get to Joplin, Mo?

a. Lev thought it was to find someone but it is because this ghost thing is taking over some of him and the ghost wants to go there, so Lev thinks it's because that's where the late person use to live.

What is the significance of Connor holding in his anger around Roland?

a. Because he knows Risa is right and that Roland wants Connor to take the bait so they can get into a fight. If they get into a fight Roland could have a trick up his sleeve and kill Connor or something.

Connor's anger and lack of impulse control is often a problem for him, until he learns to control and channel his emotions. Do you ever feel like your impulses are stronger than your will? What strategies do you use to control your feelings? Do they work? 

a. Sometimes, especially if you are trying to hold in a laugh and your best friend makes it worse. Except I find that I can control myself quite well. When I need to control my feelings I usually turn to music or I just need time alone, and yes they work all the time. 

Storked - Workshop Discussion || Unwind 🧶

Storking is a legal process, but does that make it the right thing to do?

a. In my eyes, no because you could be killing a newborn baby! You could at least give it to an adoption centre in order for it to get the right care and have a future. 

Is it the mother's responsibility to care for the child? 

a. Honestly yes, because they brought it into the world and as I said if they can't give it the right care don't just leave it on a doorstep! You can give babies up except in my eyes you need to do it the right way.

Can Connor offer the baby a better future than it would have if left there?

a. That's a 50/50 question, if he left the baby there it had a chance of dying except since he took it he has a whole new responsibility to look after, I feel if he was a bit older than yes and the baby would never get unwound if it's with Connor whose running away from getting unwound.

What risks does picking up the baby put on Connor, Risa and Lev?

a. The baby could give them away while at the school hiding, it could even start crying when they need to hide and it gives them an extra thing to carry and feed.

What impact does Connors past have on his decision? 

a. It makes him take the baby with him since he doesn't want it to die like other babies he has seen. So basically Connor is more than likely saving a life. His memory shows us that he doesn't want to leave the baby there as well since a baby he has been storked with before died, so it's like he's trying to redeem his memory by doing a good thing and helping the storked baby. Connor also took the baby because a kid at the house the storked baby was at said "we have been storked again." So Connor decided to take the baby with him.