1. Armageddon Summer reflects Yolen's particular interest in the technique of telling a story from different perspectives.

Select at least five of the items interpolated among Marina and Jed's alternating chapters, and indicate how each contributes to an understanding of events, themes, or characters in the novel. Treat Myrna Marlow's "first draft" and "letter sent" as one item. Do the same for Reverend Beelson's several sermons and the inserted conversations following chapters thirty-four and thirty-six. Does the technique enhance the novel?

2. Many critics hail Emily Dickinson as one of the geniuses of American poetry.

Explore accounts of Dickinson's life and ideas and consider references to her and the quoted lines of her poetry in the novel. Based upon your research, write an essay that links Dickinson to Marina.

Why does Marina find comfort in thinking about Dickinson and her poetry ?

3. Could...