A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster

Discuss the differences between charity and mutual aid and why they are significant.

Many of the key figures mentioned in this book are deeply religious or spiritual. Discuss the role of religiosity in this book, answering one or more of the following questions: What role do churches and other religious communities play in disaster settings? How does spirituality affect one’s sense of self, according to Solnit? What lessons can be learned from religious communities on how to respond to disaster?

How can the anarchist principles and practices that Solnit describes be implemented in non-disaster scenarios? Where has such an implementation been done successfully?

Solnit frequently uses biblical and religious references in her argumentation, including in the book’s title. Discuss this narrative strategy.

Solnit describes two main senses of “self” in this book: a private one and a public one. How does a person’s sense of self inform how they live and relate to their community?

Analyze two case studies presented in the book and discuss their similarities and differences in terms of one or more of the following: causes, impacts, short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes, and media portrayal.

How does Solnit characterize the relationship between disaster and revolution? What are the similarities and differences between these two modes of change?

Watch and analyze a disaster film not mentioned in this book. How does the film depict the citizens, leaders, military, and other actors? What narrative strategies are employed to do so?