The Humans

Author Matt Haig does not make it clear why Andrew develops empathy for human beings, leaving it up to his reader to determine the impetus for Andrew’s character development. Why does Andrew develop empathy for human beings? Select a reason that might explain Andrew’s shift in mindset about humans, then develop an argument on the trigger of his character development.

If you were in Andrew’s shoes, would you have chosen to become fully human, or would you have completed your mission and returned to your home planet? Explain your reasoning.

Analyze Matt Haig’s critique of the way in which human society treats mental health. How does his narrator’s journey highlight this commentary?

Certain human experiences inspire Andrew to appreciate human life. Select one of the following human experiences: music, food, connection with animals, family, or love. In your own philosophy, why is that experience powerful?

Is it ethical for Andrew’s home planet to intervene with human progress? Explain your reasoning.

A central character in this novel is also one whose perspectives and traumas remain hidden to the narrator. Isobel is both the source of Andrew’s happiness and the woman who has been wronged by different versions of Andrew. Choose a scene from this novel to write from Isobel’s perspective. How does Isobel deal with the ever-evolving and difficult world around her?

Select one of Andrew’s points of advice from his guide to being a human. Write your own philosophy to support this point. What does it look like for a human to manifest this point? How would that advice help humans live a better, more fulfilled life?

Matt Haig writes this novel with rapid-short chapters. Analyze the effect of this structure on the narrative. How do the confessional style and fast tempo of the novel contribute to Haig’s themes or characterizations?