Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Essay Topics
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, Japan, was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. The first four chapters of the book Hiroshima, by John Hersey, are the true accounts of the bombing, told from the perspective and memories of six survivors. It was originally published in 1946.
Almost four decades after the original publication of the book, John Hersey went back to Hiroshima in search of the people whose stories he had told. His account of what he discovered about them is now the final chapter of Hiroshima.
Directions: Choose one item from the essay topics or the project list to complete. The assignment will be due on the first day of school. On the second day of school you will have a quiz on the book Hiroshima.
Essay Topics
1. Create a list of 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?
2. 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.
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. What do you think Hersey’s purpose was in writing Hiroshima?
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, Japan, was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. The first four chapters of the book Hiroshima, by John Hersey, are the true accounts of the bombing, told from the perspective and memories of six survivors. It was originally published in 1946.
Almost four decades after the original
Almost four decades after the original publication of the book, John Hersey went back to Hiroshima in search of the people whose stories he had told. His account of what he discovered about them is now the final chapter of Hiroshima.
Directions: Choose one item from the essay topics or the project list to complete. The assignment will be due on the first day of school. On the second day of school you will have a quiz on the book Hiroshima.
Essay Topics
1. Create a list of 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?
2. 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.
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. What do you think Hersey’s purpose was in writing Hiroshima?
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, Japan, was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. The first four chapters of the book Hiroshima, by John Hersey, are the true accounts of the bombing, told from the perspective and memories of six survivors. It was originally published in 1946.
Almost four decades after the original