description The Ask and the Answer Overview
"The Ask and the Answer" is a 2009 young adult dystopian novel by Patrick Ness, serving as the second installment in the Chaos Walking trilogy. Set on a human colony planet, the story follows protagonists Todd Hewitt and Viola Eade as they are captured and separated by an oppressive occupying militia. The narrative explores themes of warfare, biological experimentation, and gender suppression through the alternating perspectives of its two main characters. It is intended for a young adult audience and critically examines the moral complexities of rebellion and totalitarianism.
insights Ranking position
The Ask and the Answer ranks #11 of 59 in the Dystopian Novel ranking, behind Sea of Tranquility, ahead of Woman on the Edge of Time.
help The Ask and the Answer FAQ
Is "The Ask and the Answer" a sequel?
Yes, "The Ask and the Answer" is a 2009 young adult dystopian novel by Patrick Ness. It serves as the direct second installment in the acclaimed Chaos Walking trilogy, following the events of the first book, "The Knife of Never Letting Go."
What is "The Ask" in the context of the novel?
In the book, "The Ask" refers to a brutal form of psychological interrogation used by the antagonistic Mayor Prentiss to control his prisoners. The protagonists, Todd Hewitt and Viola Eade, are subjected to this oppressive regime after being captured.
What happens to Todd and Viola in "The Ask and the Answer"?
After arriving in the city of Haven, Todd and Viola are immediately separated by Mayor Prentiss. The story alternates between their perspectives as Todd is forced to work for the enemy and Viola joins a resistance movement, testing their loyalty to one another.
Do Todd and Viola have their Noise in "The Ask and the Answer"?
Yes, the male characters continue to project their thoughts outward in a visible stream known as "Noise" due to the local germ. The oppressive silence of Haven is broken when Prentiss uses a cure to silence his army, giving them a terrifying tactical advantage.
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