45 pages • 1 hour read
Scott ReintgenNyxia
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Scott Reintgen calls the alien substance “nyxia,” which is a reference to the Greek goddess of night, Nyx. Analyze how Reintgen develops the motifs of night and darkness through the novel.
The novel is told primarily from Emmett’s perspective. Choose a chapter and rewrite it from another character’s perspective. How does the perspective change the plot, theme, or symbolism in the novel?
Nyxia discusses the negative effects of mining on indigenous populations. Investigate current instances of exploitative mining and explore the parallels between Babel Communications and modern-day companies.
Consider Nyxia through a feminist lens. How does this novel represent female characters? What arguments does the text make about gender?
Compare Emmett’s character arc to that of another character, exploring how the author develops that character over the course of the novel.
The only chapter not told from Emmett’s perspective is the Interlude. Why would the author choose to write it from Marcus Defoe’s perspective? What might the novel lose if that chapter were removed?
What is the significance of Emmett giving the key to Azima to bring to Eden? What would change if Emmett gave the key to a different teammate?
Kaya reads Alice in Wonderland to Emmett. Analyze parallels between Alice in Wonderland and Nyxia. How does this comparison build on the themes of the novel?
Emmett reveals that he didn’t apply for Babel’s mission but that the company sought him out. What does this fact demonstrate about Babel? How does this impact the reader’s understanding of the novel?
Based on foreshadowing in this novel, make five predictions about the plot and character development in the sequel. Support your predictions with evidence from the text.
