West with the Night | Topics for Discussion & Projects

West with the Night Topics for Discussion

Do you think Beryl's gender was ever an obstacle to her? Do you think Beryl's gender factored in her decisions in any way? If so, why does Beryl not discuss her gender and its obstacles in more detail within her memoir? Do you think Beryl's memoir would have had the same tone had it been written in a later decade, such as during the sexual revolution?

Why do you think Beryl decided to learn to fly? Beryl suggested that her native friend thought of her planes as he did the horses. Do you think Beryl thought the same way? Do you think Beryl's decision to fly her historic flight was taken as lightly as she portrays in the memoir?

Discuss Beryl's idea of scouting elephants for safaris. Was it a good idea? Why did Tom not want her to do it? Was scouting elephants more dangerous than delivering mail to...
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