Hiroshima: Questions to Consider
- Create a list of the major characteristics of each hibakusha (bomb survivor). Which individuals, in your opinion, have the strongest personalities? Which have the weakest? For which did you have the most sympathy? Why?
- How do the destruction of the bomb and its aftereffects make you feel about America? Have your sentiments about patriotism changed? Explain.
- Describe what you think Mr. Fukai was feeling as he protested Father
Kleinsorge's valiant attempts to save him. Is there a psychological basis for his reaction? Explain.
- List five "miraculous" occurrences or bizarre coincidences that spared lives or had other freak effects during the bomb blast or soon thereafter. Describe how you would explain such incredible events, from either a religious or a scientific viewpoint.
- Select one of the six survivors and recount briefly that person's experience. Now substitute yourself for that person. How would you have reacted differently?
- Hersey wrote, "A surprising number of the people of Hiroshima remained more or less indifferent about the ethics of the bomb." Why is this so? How do you feel about it as an ethical issue?
- How does "The Aftermath," which was added to Hiroshima in 1985, change
your perceptions of the incident itself and the story? Does it enhance or detract from its drama?
- Describe the unusually close relationship between Father Takakura and Yoshikisan. Why was their relationship such a close one? Explain.
- What do you think Hersey's purpose was in writing Hiroshima?
English Teacher's Great Books Activities Kit
by Gary Robert Muschla
More than 180 reproducible student activities for teaching reading and writing skills, based on great literature that covers various genres, themes, and cultures.
