Essay Questions

What is the meaning of the title?

The title of the novel holds the main aspect of the novel. That aspect is presented in various ways. On aboard the spaceship, Gilgamesh children of time are the spaceship-born generations who dedicate their lives to make sure the humanity reaches its goal of survival. On the green planet, the spiders are children of time, slowly evolving and becoming more self-aware, emotionally intelligent with evolving cognitive abilities. The spiders are also children of Avrana Kern. They are an unexpected result of her project, and she decides to embrace and lead them to victory over the human threat.

What are some traits of the spider-species that mimic the human evolution?

The evolution of the spider-species on the green planet is interesting because it almost seems like a parody of the human evolution. They go from being cannibalistic murderers, sweeping, conquering and enslaving the ant-species, through to discovering religion and questioning their existence and, finally, gazing up at the stars and dreaming of going into space. The social constructs and developments, discrimination against the weaker sex and corruption are also present throughout.

What does the ending of the novel signify?

The ending and the unexpected outcome of the spiders’ victory over human sends a message of the innate destructive nature of humanity and the need to completely change it. The spiders, with the teachings of Avrana Kern, realize this, and they create an empathetic virus that will make humans see beyond their differences, see the similarities and possibilities of mutual life.