39 pages • 1 hour read
William ForstchenOne Second After
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Although One Second After is a work of fiction, EMP warfare is a very real threat. How does the book suggest we deal with this issue before it is too late?
The Ford Edsel plays a prominent role. Discuss how the car is used to advance the plot as well as the purpose and meaning of vehicles in general.
As a student of military history, John is haunted by the notion of barbarism. What tactics does he use to prevent Black Mountain from lapsing into the Dark Ages?
Think about the fragile nature of civilization. Why is modern America even more vulnerable to collapse than ancient societies were? How does Black Mountain counter this tendency?
Household pets are emphasized at various points in the story. How is their value defined, and how does that value change by the end of the novel?
John refers to the student troops of the college as nation builders. What does he mean?
One Second After frequently refers to the decline of past civilizations. What can history teach us about our attitude toward our current enemies?
Cigarettes function as something more than a simple addiction in the story. Describe their symbolic meaning and use.
The loss of technology has a ripple effect that touches many aspects of life in Black Mountain. Discuss some of the indirect consequences of the power failure.
Religion emerges as a major force in the post-EMP world. How do religious views shift after the catastrophe? Is this change good or bad?
