Unit I

Breaking Away

(Chapters 1-3)

 

This unit introduces six characters in search of a utopia and foreshadows their different view­ points. It also gives a brief glimpse of the Walden Two community.

 

 

7

 

Study Questions

 

1.     Note the first impressions of Frazier--his manner, dress, greeting, and the station wagon.  What do they suggest about Walden Two?  What care should be taken in forming such hy­potheses? (11)

 

 

2.     After turning off the main highway and passing some traditional farmhouses and barns, the visitors notice a series of buildings, Walden Two.  Briefly, describe them. What is the general structure or plan of these buildings? (12)

 

 

3.     The sheep follow their elders, staying away from the harmless string.  The Bishop, the watch­dog, is also there to keep them from straying.  Draw an analogy to human civilization, using both parts of this illustration, the harmless string and the dog. (15)

 

 

4.     Frazier says, "The pond is our own work." What does he mean?  What evidence supports this practice today? (17)

 

 

5.     How many people live in the Walden Two community'?  Why is it advantageous to work with a group of this size in establishing a utopian society'?  In your answer, refer to the concept of experimentation. (18)

 

 

6.     Describe the architecture and housing in Walden Two.  How do they reflect modern trends in home construction?  What are the reasons behind the Walden Two approach? (18)

 

 

7.     What is done about adverse weather in Walden Two?  To what extent is this method used today in large cities?  With what result? (19)

 

 

8.     How is the Ladder involved in the control of weather?  The social development of children?  Recreation? (20)

 

 

9.     What is the attitude toward seniority at Walden Two?  Why.? Note that the full answer to this question is revealed in later discussions of history and personal figures. (21)

 

 

10.     Frazier says, "But imagine what it would mean to an architect to design an entire commu­nity as a whole!" Explain Frazier's view, focusing not only upon the size but also on the demands of the job, as opposed to designing a small part of the more traditional environ­ment. (22)