Exploring Historical Narratives

1. How effectively does Murphy weave primary sources into his recounting of the blizzard, bringing a personal touch to its history? Why is storytelling the most compelling method to convey these tales?

Human Reactions and Responses

2. Examine the spectrum of human reactions in the face of the storm's initial fury. In what situations did individuals act with reason, and when did their responses veer into the realm of the irrational?

Acts of Sacrifice and Altruism

3. In what remarkable ways did people forgo their own comfort to lend a helping hand to others?

The Role of Compassion and Responsibility

4. How were acts of sharing and kindness crucial to the survival of many? In what manner did caring for livestock illustrate the dependability of certain individuals?

Work Ethic in the Face of Adversity

5. What interplay existed between labor and the storm both during the blizzard’s wrath and in its aftermath?

Heroic Risks and Recognitions

6. Who do you perceive as having taken the most daring risks amid the blizzard? Do their deeds deserve public acclaim?

Perils of the Storm

7. Where do you believe the storm posed the gravest dangers, and what makes these locations particularly treacherous?

Selection and Representation

8. What might have guided Murphy's choice of individuals to spotlight in his book? Are there groups he neglected or overrepresented, and what might be the reasons?

Inspiring Narratives and Omissions

9. Which stories moved you the most, and why? Are there any profiles you wish Murphy had left out?

Accountability and Preparedness

10. Should any person or group bear responsibility for the lack of storm forecasting, the failure to place underground wires, the absence of a subway system, or insufficient street cleaning policies?