‘Summer of the Gods’ Book Report
What I to do with this guide was provide you with a basic outline for how to tackle this book report. For some this may be the first such paper you have written. I want the process to be as anxiety-free as possible. Since the book is divided into three parts (before, during, after) this seems like a logical way to address the report. What you will find below is a rough outline for how I would write a review of the book
I have attached journal reviews of the book. One of the things you will learn is that reading a profession review of a book, particularly a book you are having trouble understanding, makes it a lot easier to get a handle on how to write about it. The material from these can be used in your own review. Be mindful that you simply can’t lift this material and plop it into your papers. Please cite any ideas from the reviews if they are used.
The introduction
This should provide a general overview of the story, something that can be added to later with details from the chapters. It can be similar to what you had to write on the midterm. Also this would be the place to provide some background information about the author (what he has written, where he teachers, any awards the book has garnered).
The following are questions that I thought would provide you with paragraphs to fill out the body of the review. Feel free to use some or all of these to get you started. And as you are writing on these points, feel free to put in your thoughts and feelings. This can be worked into the paper or set aside for the ending
The Before
Intro-Ch. 1
- What was happening in the field of archeology that provided evidence for evolution?
- How did this information conflict with Genesis and was there any way to bring them together?
- Could it be said that writers and historians created the conflict between science and religion?
- Why made this a hot-button issue in the 1920s?
Ch. 2
- This chapter brings up modernism and WWI as factors that drove the fundamentalist movement. How did they play into it? Were you surprised with support for some form of evolution among some denominations? What is your reaction to the amount of modernist religious officials in TN?
- What drew Williams Jennings Bryan, the great populist reformer, to the antievolutionist movement?
- Discuss the role of Billy Sunday and his role in driving support for the Butler Bill.
Ch. 3
- The ACLU has a reputation today as anti-religion (a little deserved). Did you get the idea that it was at its founding and during this case? Why was it founded for that matter?
- Clarence Darrow was the most important lawyer in America. How would you describe his past and reasons for taking case? Was he the stereotypical mean-spirited atheist?
During…
Ch. 4
- I feel like if these characters, as described in this chapter, were alive to today their need for attention would drive them toward reality television. Agree? Disagree? Want to expand on this?
- Why in the world did this happen in Dayton, TN?
Ch. 5
- What do you make of the flood of modernist ministers defending Scopes and attacking this law? Surprising about the state you live in?
- Also talks about the town setup. How did this play into the circus feel of the proceedings?
Ch. 7
- The most important part of the trial was Bryan testifying. What was the result? Pg. 188
After…
Ch. 8
- To borrow a modern political phrase, Bryan did some “spin control” after the trial. What was he saying and why did you think he did this?
- Does it make you sad that as H.L. Menken said, “God aimed at Darrow, missed, and hit Bryan instead?”
Ch. 9
- How did “Only Yesterday” and “Inherit the Wind” completely distort the result of the trial and it significance?
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