Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Discuss the relevance of the title "Under the Banner of Heaven."

2. Krakauer builds much of his book by using interviews and quotes, reflecting a very journalistic approach. Despite his attempted objectivity the sensitive topic of the book makes bias inevitable. Discuss how Krakauer approaches or avoids bias. Is he biased? How does Krakauer's voice aid or hinder his story?

3. Smith was the original founder of the LDS. Many can still relate to him today, thus continuing the popularity of the Mormon Church, according to Krakauer. Discuss Smith's road to creating the Mormon...
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