After The First Death

Based on the characters’ actions throughout After the First Death, which do you believe is stronger: the desire to live or the need to protect? Why? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

In Part 1, Ben feels the newspaper article describing the bus incident was nothing like the actual event, specifically misrepresenting Ben as a hero. How might the article have changed events to make Ben out as a hero? What other details from After the First Death may have been altered in this news article? Why might news outlets modify stories in these ways, and what is the effect on consumers?

Why do you think Cormier wrote After the First Death in alternating timelines and perspectives? How did this technique lend to the novel’s themes?

After the First Death explores bravery and whether it is something learned or inherent. Do you believe people are born brave or that they must learn to be brave? Has Miro’s training taught him to be brave? Why or why not?

What do you think is going on in Part 11? Do you really think Ben took his life, or might Ben be alive and talking to his father? If Part 11 is entirely in General Markhand’s head, what do you learn about Ben and the general from the discussion?

At several points in After the First Death, Miro questions Artkin’s motives and behavior. Do you think Artkin cares for Miro? Is Miro right to be cautious of Artkin’s behavior? Why or why not?

Why do you think General Markhand is willing to put Ben’s life in danger to end the situation on the bridge? What part of the general’s personality allows him to take this risk? What does this action say about General Markhand himself, as well as about his relationship with Ben?

Though Kate ultimately tries to get Miro to empathize with her, do you think her arguments and perspectives had the potential to do so? Is Miro too indoctrinated in his beliefs to consider other perspectives? What methods might have worked better to sway Miro?