Inception

Name: __Shane Avichouser_____

Directions: Choose 6 questions to answer in a paragraph (at least 5 sentences.) Type and submit via
Google Docs and share to awilson@rcs-k12.us

Connection to Dreaming vs. Reality theme

Connection between implanted memories and implanted ideas masquerading as ones own

Questions:
1. Extraction is easier than inception, and inception seems significantly more devious and potentially
dangerouswhy? How can such a simple idea redefine one? Explain.
2. If the characters die in the dream, they wake up, but pain in the dream is very real. What does this
apparent fact have to tell us about the nature of dreaming and its relation to experience?
a. I believe the fact that we can feel pain in our dreams shows us how real it is. I
believe that our dreams are very much like our every day life and influence us largely. The fact that
we can feel pain in our dreams goes to show how real they are and how important they are because
they're so similar to life. Dreams are something that we don't know much about although I think
there's much to be learned in the future. I also believe that one of the main reasons we wake up
before we die is because our minds won't allow us to die. This is much like real life because we are
not ready to handle it and are mine doesn't know what will happen so it can't make stuff up.
3. At deeper levels of dreaming (dreams within dreams, aided by sedatives), dying does not wake, but
plunge one into limbo. What might this mean, metaphorically?
a. I believe that this could mean that you are so entranced you do not come out of it.
This could be caused by a lack of being able to come back to reality. If your mind is in such a deep
sleep that you cannot break out of your dream because of sedatives I believe this would be limbo. I
do not believe this would be a common thing although it could possibly happen. I don't know much
about sleeping patterns but it does make sense that you could get stuck not able to wake up or as
they call it limbo.
4. In the film it is said that dreaming involves simultaneous perceiving and creating; yet contemporary
epistemology claims that this is the nature of perception dreaming or awake.
5.

Comment on the theory of dream time offered in this film.

6. For the dreamers, the dreams become their reality. This is a theme in the film. Comment on the
question, Who are we to say otherwise?
a. I believe that it is hard to say what is reality and what is not. I believe that in
order to say otherwise it takes a large amount of evidence and knowledge. I believe this is why they
used the things like the dice to tell what is reality and what is a dream. It is hard to differentiate the
two of them and honestly there is no one who is to say otherwise for sure because you cannot know.
I believe because of a dreams nature there is no telling what is and isn't real. It's all up to the
dreamer to figure out if they're in a dream.
7. In order to implant one idea, the team plants a different one which will then naturally lead to the
desired thought of the subject at a deeper level. What does this layering of implanted ideas mean? What fact
of human experience might this represent?
8. Cobb and his team are involved in corporate espionage. Are there ever times when breaking the law
is the right thing to do? Why or why not?

a. I do not believe that breaking the law is ever the right thing to do. I believe that
the law system holds us all to a standard and we should all follow it. If we do not all follow the law
system and then there is no point in having it. Although it seems like at times the only thing to do is
break the law I do not believe that we should. In this case I do indeed believe that it was wrong. in
conclusion no matter what I believe that breaking the law is wrong.
9. Cobb is a fugitive and has fled the United States, leaving his children behind. Do you believe his
actions were justified? Would you ever leave someone you loved behind to avoid legal consequences, or to
protect them?
10. The smallest idea can grow to the point that it will define you or destroy you. Explain what this
statement means.
a. I believe that this means that your mind will either allow a idea to change who
you are as a character for the good or bad. This could be done through obsessing over an idea to the
point where it affects your life. I think this is very common and plays a major role in every day life
for humans. Very small things have a large impacts overtime and can change who we are. Many are
For the good although some are for the bad and in this case some could destroy who you are as a
person.
11. Do you believe that dreams can reflect our subconscious feelings or thoughts? Why or why not?
a. I believe that dreams can indeed reflect our subconscious thoughts and feelings. I
believe that while we dream we have full access to our brain and all of out thoughts. This is why
dreams seem so realistic and often pertain to relevant everyday topics. These subconscious
thoughts are extremely relevant throughout our dreams. Along with the fact that I believe that these
subconscious thoughts and feeling change our opinions and beliefs after we wake up.
12. Do you think the top stops spinning? Is Cobb dreaming or is he awake? Does it matter? Defend your
answer using evidence from the film.