A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes

Describe the relationship between war and hurricanes in Dolin’s text. With close reference to the book, state why you think that it is easier for people to conceptualize the threat of war than that of hurricanes.

Do hurricanes affect all people equally? How have hurricanes exposed inequality and injustice in American history? Refer to at least two hurricanes in your answer.

According to Dolin’s book, which is more important in dealing with the menace of hurricanes: individualism or collaboration?

Describe the relationship between hurricanes and American popular culture. With close reference to the text, state why you think popular cultural motifs are helpful in enabling people to understand hurricanes.

Describe the relationship between hurricanes and American identity. Why does Dolin consider hurricanes to be instrumental to contemporary conceptions of what it means to be American?

Do a close reading of one of Dolin’s hurricane case-studies. What techniques does he use to show the hurricane’s overall impact and its influence on individual lives?

What role does the element of unpredictability play in humanity’s ability to respond to a hurricane? You should refer to both historic and contemporary examples in your answer.

How have hurricanes affected the fortunes of those who have attempted to govern America, both historically and in recent years? Why is hurricane-literacy an important aspect of being in power?