71 pages 2 hours read

Kai Bird, Martin J. Sherwin

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2005

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Essay Topics

1.

What do you think of the decision to drop atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? What did Oppenheimer think? Cite passages from the text to support your views.

2.

What characterized Oppenheimer’s connection to the Communist Party? For example, do you think his association reflected mostly personal connections or political views? Cite passages from the text to support your views.

3.

During and after World War II, secrecy had an enormous impact on both Oppenheimer and US nuclear policy. Why? What was Oppenheimer’s opinion about secrecy in public affairs?