Terkel's recurring tool for analyzing the Depression from different angles is juxtaposing the commentary of young and older people. How are the views of the young regarding the Depression's significance different from the older generation's? Discuss this dichotomy.

Discuss shame. How is shame a driving force for people in the 1930's? How do interviewees think the role of shame has changed in the intervening years?

Discuss the causes of the Great Depression as described by interviewees in this book. How are these causes similar to those affecting the current US economy? How are they different?

Much is made of the idea of work in this book. How does working or not working affect a person's self-image? Why do some interviewees think people do or do not want to work? How did FDR's New Deal promote and undermine the idea of work?

Discuss the differing...