Flags of our Fathers
War Literature, Fall 2008

Reading Schedule

Chapters 1-10 (p. 1-101) by December 15 (expect a quiz)
Chapters 11-20 (102-200) by January 5 (expect a quiz)

Some questions to consider:

• What are the similarities and differences between Flags of our Fathers and the World War One poets and writers? 
• Is the concept of bravery different?  Truth?  Honor? 
• What is the tone of the narrator?  How is it different that the previous novel?
• How was the civilian image of a hero different from a soldier's image of a hero?
• What role did the media play in this story? How has the role of the media changed during the current conflict?
• How are the Japanese portrayed in this story?  Why do you think they are portrayed that way?
• In what ways are the Marines in this novel similar to the soldiers in the WWI poems and story?  In what ways are they different?
• What impression of war is reflected in the novel?
• How do the survivors in the photo cope with their celebrity?  Why do they continue to do it?
• What motivated these men to such valor?