The Iron Giant

What human characteristics does the Iron Man possess? In what ways does the Iron Man symbolize the often-destructive nature of human beings? Why does Hughes evoke empathy with the Iron Man?

How does the humans’ treatment of the Iron Man demonstrate The Human Capacity to Be Both Cruel and Kind? Are there any real-life examples of this duality that could be compared to the actions of humans in the story?

Why does the author intentionally avoid explaining the Iron Man’s origins or purpose? What is the Iron Man’s general disposition toward human beings?

Even though the Iron Man is made of metal, he clearly has the ability to think and feel. What unique situations arise from this? How does the Iron Man symbolize The Relationship Between the Natural and the Mechanical?

Hogarth is the only person who sees the Iron Man’s potential for reason and feels guilt when he is mistreated. What do these differences indicate about Hogarth’s character? How might one person’s courage in daring to speak against the group act as a seed of greater change?

Although the Iron Man has the potential to help human beings, he is initially deemed a monster and cast out from society. How does the Iron Man’s story illustrate the difficulty of Overcoming the Obstacle of Judgment and why it is important to do so?

Like the Iron Man, the star spirit first appears as a menacing and destructive force, but another side to the star spirit is revealed as it spreads peace with its song. Why does the star spirit have these two opposing sides to its existence? How might these two sides complement and bolster one another?

Why might The Iron Man be a story worth revisiting in today’s world? What changes and evolutions have occurred since the 1960s that have made humans even more closely connected to technology?