SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
District 9 Study Guide
Name:
Instructions: Answer each question in complete sentences using the
language of the question to start your response. This study guide will be
handed in and evaluated for marks, so give it your full effort, and ask for
help if you need it.
Part A: Before Viewing
What do you think makes us human? What separates us from other species?
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Part B: The Beginning
1) At the beginning of the movie, how does the film maker create a sense
that what we are seeing is real? How is the beginning constructed? Explain
why the film maker’s choices create realism.
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2) What is District 9, and why did the government of South Africa decide it
must be moved?
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SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
3) What term is used for the aliens and why is it negative or derogative?
On a broader note, why do you think we, as human beings, use names like this
for groups that we either don’t like or don’t understand?
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4) One meaning of irony is that things are different from the way they are
presented. With this in mind, explain the irony of the statue and sign at the
entrance of District 9.
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5) Explain how the film maker uses contrast with Wikus’s explanation of the
eviction operation and the actual events to heighten the audience’s sense of
shock. For example, think of the scene where the alien eggs are killed.
/3
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SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
Part C: The Middle
6) To dehumanize means to strip someone of their humanity, to think of
someone as less than human. This is necessary if abuse is to take place, as
humans naturally feel empathy for other humans so that we find it difficult
to harm each other. Multi-National United dehumanizes others for the sake
of profit. How do they dehumanize Wikus? Think about what the doctor
calls Wikus right before he removes his heart.
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7) Why does the alien child like Wikus? Do you agree with what the child
says when he notices Wikus’s alien hand?
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8) Why does Wikus tell the alien and his child that they don’t want to go to
the new District 9? What is implied by what Wikus tell them? Remember
that to imply means to suggest something beyond to basic meaning of the
words we use.
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SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
Part D) The Finale
9) Why do you think Wikus ultimately decides to help Christopher?
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10) Explain the ending of the movie? What do you think the flower
represents?
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11) If there is a sequel, what do you think will happen in it?
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SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
Discussion: What make us human? History of apartheid, dehumanizing
labels, the abortion scene, similarities with Nazis, scenes filmed in actual
slums in Johannesburg. What does it say about us that we let people live
this way? Implication of line MNU or another government: corporations are
as powerful as governments now, but corporations have no soul. Irony that
as Wikus becomes more alien, he also becomes more human.
SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
District 9 Essay Assignment
Instructions: Write at four or five paragraph essay, using the outline
provided, to address one of the two prompts below.
Prompt One:
One of the themes of District 9 is that, by dehumanizing others, we are
able to commit acts that would otherwise horrify us. In a four or five
paragraph essay, explain how this theme is developed in District 9?
Tip:
Introduction paragraph: Define what it means to dehumanize (use the
definition in questions to help). State your thesis by re-phrasing the
prompt. In your directional statement, list the examples you will use (body
paragraph one = aliens, body paragraph two = Wikus).
Or
Prompt Two:
One of the themes of D9 is that our intelligence and capacity for empathy
and compassion are what really makes us human. If this is true, identify and
explain examples from District 9 that reveal the humanity of the aliens, in
contrast with the lack of humanity of those associated with MNU.
Tip:
Introduction paragraph: Introduce the idea that humanity is more than just
being or the human species. State your thesis by re-phrasing the prompt.
In your directional statement, list the examples you will use (body paragraph
one = humanity of aliens, body paragraph two = lack of humanity of MNU
people, body paragraph three = developing humanity of Wikus as he becomes
more “alien)
SWL Respect:
Courage * Compassion * Individuality * Integrity * Loyalty
Bonus Questions:
If you complete your essay and have time remaining, answer one or more of
the following questions:
With the weapons available, the aliens could have resisted being treated like
garbage. Why do you think the aliens held back and did not harm humans?
In many ways this movie represents the ways and reasons why modern wars
are now fought. Explain.
MNU Website. Find three elements of irony on the MNU website. Do you
feel this is an effective way to market the film. How is it a reflection of
the way the film is constructed (remember the first question about realism).
Similarities between D9 and Blood Diamond.
How does this film portray xenophobia, and what are the consequences of
this fear of the other, the fear of the foreign, the fear of something we
don’t understand?