Masterminds

Explain the nature-versus-nurture debate as it relates to the development of character. How does Hammerstrom hope to prove which hypothesis is correct? What ethical problems does his approach raise?

Describe Eli’s character and how his attitude changes over the course of the novel. What special problems does he face as Hammerstrom’s surrogate son?

Each of the clones struggles with questions of identity. Describe some of these issues as they relate to family, community, and being cloned.