|
1. Chapter one, "Defeat," depicts dramatic
scenes from Roosevelt’s final election. What parallels exist between a
risky political career and a risky Rain Forest expedition? What enabled
him to survive both?
2. Compare Rondon’s and Roosevelt’s leadership styles. In what ways did
these co-commanders complement each other? In what ways were they at
odds?
3. Discuss the very concept of survival as it shapes The River of
Doubt. In choosing provisions, what items did Roosevelt’s team
consider necessary for survival? What aspects of survival (greater
quantities of dry, mildew-free clothes, for example) did they overlook?
What intangibles (especially in terms of emotions) are also necessary
for such an expedition?
4. What aspects of humanity were represented by the various
personalities in the group, ranging from exploitive Father Zahm and the
rational Cherrie to the volatile Julio? Can such varied people coexist?
How did you react to Roosevelt’s belief that it was necessary for Julio
to be found and shot after he murdered one of the team members?
5. Do any contemporary American politicians possess Roosevelt’s
public-speaking style? Why did he believe it was important to debate the
former Chilean ambassador and deliver speeches refuting the protestors
there?
6. Discuss the extraordinary medical history included in The River of
Doubt. How was Roosevelt able to survive so much in his
lifetime—from gunshot and disease to a train wreck—with only rudimentary
medical care? What aspects of modern medicine would have made his
expedition safer? Would safer conditions have undermined thethrill?
7. What did you discover about the intricate, sometimes surreal ecology
and geography of the Rain Forest itself? What is the significance of the
ancient history of South America’s formation, such as the plate
tectonics that sculpted the Andes Mountains? What was it like to read
descriptions of a region where few humans have adapted to the
environment? Why is it important to preserve rather than develop these
ecosystems?
8. In the end, what do you believe Roosevelt’s true missions were in
this expedition? What was revealed about the nature of some geographic
explorers when his success was met with deep skepticism? What motivates
any explorer–from ancient nomads to NASA scientists? What separates
Roosevelt’s brand of adventurousness from that of contestants on
television shows such as "Survivor"?
9. Share your observations about the Cinta Larga, ranging from nutrition
and family life to warfare. Does their self-sufficiency make them noble?
10. What did you discover about Roosevelt’s parenting style? Is his
approach—particularly his insistence that his children learn to conquer
rather than avoid obstacles–prevalent in many American schools today?
11. Do you believe that Kermit’s later despondency, which eventually
drove him to suicide, was related more to genetics or to his life’s
circumstances? Did his father expect too much of him? How did their
relationship shift throughout this father-son expedition? How would you
have fared on a similar mission with your mother or father?
12. How might Roosevelt respond to current concerns about the
environment and climate change? How might he and his Progressive "Bull
Moose" Party have fared in recent elections?
13. What separates The River of Doubt from other presidential
narratives you have read? What writing techniques enabled the author to
weave together science, travelogue, and history? What do the Notes and
Acknowledgments sections reveal about her research techniques? If
someone were to write a biography of you, what narratives could be
constructed from your collection of letters and other memorabilia?
14. Discuss the historical context of Roosevelt’s trip, in terms not
only of South American history but other aspects of world history from
this time period, such as the sinking of the Titanic in 1912? Would
World War I have unfolded differently if Roosevelt had defeated Wilson?
15. How were the first chapters of Roosevelt’s life, which were marked
by poor health, resolved by this final South American chapter? Do his
triumphs of endurance, from boxing at Harvard to valiant service during
the Spanish-American War, form a timeline of progressively more
dangerous challenges throughout his life? If so, did he finally meet his
match with The River of Doubt? Why do you believe this expedition was,
until now, less well known than his other triumphs?
|
|