Rocket+Man

Rocket Man


 * __ Summary __**: Doug's Dad is no ordinary person; he's a Rocket Man. Ever since Doug can remember, his dad has been leaving the family for three months at a time and exploring the wonders of space. Doug's mother does not approve of her husband's job, and while he's away, she tries not to pay attention to anything related to him. She does not speak about him, and even when he is home, she acts as if he is invisible. Doug's father loves his job, but he also longs to be with his family. One day while swinging on the mechanical porch, Doug's father makes Doug promise that he will never grow up to become a Rocket Man like him. Doug agrees, and his dad leaves the next day. As Doug and his mother wait for his return, they recieve a message telling them that his rocket has fallen into the sun, and that they will never be able to see him again.

__** Setting **__: Doug's house/neighborhood, space

__** Protagonist **__: Doug, Doug's Mom

__** Antagonist **__: Doug's Dad

__** Forms of Technology **__: Rocket ship, Air Flue, mechanical porch, food-making table, electrical fireflies, rocking/singing bed, automatic bakers, electric-eye door, mechanical book reader

__** Main Conflict **__: (Man vs. Self) Doug's Dad has a hard time deciding whether he should stay on Earth with his family or go venture out into space. Every time he goes out to space, he starts missing his family, and while he's with his family, he dreams of space adventures.

__** Themes **__: Advancements in technology can have a negative effect on people's lives.

__** Internet Sources **__: [] []

__** Discussion Questions **__: 1. Why does Doug's father make Doug promise not to become a rocket man? 2. How does Doug's father's absence affect his family, especially his wife? 3. How does "Rocket Man" show how advances in technology can affect an everyday lifestyle?



Cathy Shao Jordyn Tannenbaum