A.

Wilson/PHL
Inception
Name: ___jacob holman____________
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.
The idea of inception is much more dangerous. Inception can potentially mess with ones
head forever. Extraction is just the base level. The farther you go into inception the more
complex. When you get more complex it plants ideas in your head.
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?
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?
This might mean metaphorically that one can get lost in their dreams. Say someone doesnt like
perceives reality correctly. They live in their respective dream world. And when the dream is
crushed assuming it does, they cant come to terms with the reality. They just decide to live in their
own world or limbo to cope with their thoughts.
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?
We are not to say otherwise. Someone elses opinion is irrelevant it isnt our opinion so who
cares. If someone wants to live in their own little dream world they should be able to. If their
world brings down others thats another story. But if its a harmless dream then its no ones
place other than that of the dreamers business. Dreams can also become reality in real life,
think basketball players who dream of being in the nba their whole childhood and then become
a star in the nba in there career.
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. Wilson/PHL
Yes there are often times where breaking the law is the right thing. The law although usually for
good it isnt absolute. They want to break the law for the greater good. If that is the case it
wont be morally wrong anymore. It really does come down to morals as some people look at
the law differently. Breaking the law is way too often of a thing to really be considered a
detrimental thing.
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.
11. Do you believe that dreams can reflect our subconscious feelings or thoughts? Why or why not?
Yes I believe it can reflect our feelings. I have had multiple dreams that address current issues
or things going on in my life. For instance if I get in a fight with my friend I might have a dream
of me with them that night. It happens actually pretty often so I definitely think this with
certainty.
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.
I believe the the top stops spinning. He is indeed awake. It does matter, dreams can seem real
but they never actually are. Like being stuck with his wife for all those year in the dream. It
seemed real but wasnt. He eventually left for a reason so it definitely does matter for him at
least.