Discussion Leader Assignment
Alas Babylon, Chapters 1-3 (SAMPLE HANDOUT)
Leaders: ________________________________________________________
Historical/Cultural Context:
Offutt Field, Headquarters of Strategic Air Command, near Omaha (where Mark Bragg works)
Russian/American Tension
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“Space Race” - a 20th-century (1955–1972) competition between two Cold War rivals, the Soviet Union (USSR) and
the United States, for supremacy in spaceflight capability.
Cold War- a state of political and military tension after World War II between powers in the Western
Bloc (the United States, its NATO allies and others such as Japan) and powers in the Eastern Bloc (the
Soviet Union and its allies in the Warsaw Pact).
Characters:
Florence Wechek- the manager at Western Union
Alice Cooksey- the librarian and friend to Florence
Randy Bragg- protagonist and descendant of an old Florida family; brother to Mark Bragg (failed candidate for political
office)
Dan Gunn- Doctor and Randy’s best friend
Missouri- wife of Two-Tone and a maid (son’s name is Caleb and he’s about 13)
Two-Tone Henry- Randy’s neighbor
The McGoverns- Family near Randy; Randy has interest in Lib McGovern
Malachai- Randy’s yard man and Preacher’s younger son
Helen Bragg- Mark’s wife
Mark Bragg- Randy’s brother; sends his family to live with Randy; in SAC intelligence, stationed near Omaha
Ben Franklin-Mark and Helen’s son (about 13)
Peyton- Mark and Helen’s daughter
Edgar Quisenberry- president of the bank, 45 years old
Power Quotes/Power Passage:
“The truth was that Randolph Bragg himself was torn by the problem, recognizing its dangers and complexities. He had
certain convictions…” (Frank 8)- Chapter 1
“Helen and the children flying to Orlando tonight. Alas, Babylon” (Frank 14)- Chapter 1
“The Russians are great chess players” (Frank 31)- Chapter 2
“…the only way to win a modern war is not fight one” (Frank 33)- Chapter 2
Discussion Questions:
Explain the meaning of the phrase “Alas, Babylon?”
How does Mark describe Helen? How does her character compare to the characters of other women who join
Randy’s community after The Day?
Why does Randy never vow to cry again?
Randy’s discussion with Malachai reveals Randy’s attitudes towards black people. What are they? What vital
necessity does Malachai bring up before Randy does?
Why does Lib McGovern say Randy should leave Fort Repose?
Why is Dan a bitter man?
Vocabulary:
Sputnik (2)- a series of Soviet artificial satellites, the first of which (launched on October 4, 1957) was the first
satellite to be placed in orbit.
Commandos (pg. 5)- solider/light infantry
SAC (pg. 30)- strategic air command
T.O.T (pg. 32)- stands for time on target
Bogy (pg. 63)- enemy aircraft
*Other options to include in your handout (themes and characterization)*