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1. According to the Prologue, did the Lafferty brothers feel justified in their actions? How and why?

The Lafferty brothers felt justified in their actions of murdering Brenda and Erica Lafferty. The Lafferty brothers were fundamentalist Mormons who believed anyone could receive a personal revelation from God. They felt justified in their actions because they believed God had willed them to kill.

2. What is the purpose of Krakauer presenting the entire story upfront in the prologue? Is he giving away the whole book?

Krakauer presents he facts of the case up-front because his intention is not to paint a sensational narrative of this story. By presenting all of the facts up front, Krakauer has laid the foundation for what he wants to explore about the case.

3. What is Krakauer's intention with "Under the Banner of Heaven"?

Krakauer's intention is not just to portray the story of the Lafferty brothers' murder of Brenda and Erica Lafferty, although the story is an aspect of it. Krakauer intends to explore the "why" of the story rather than the "what."

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