Directions: Respond to one of the following prompts in a detailed paragraph. Pull examples from the film when making your points.
- The film is known for, among other things, its use of “unique” or strange characters. Choose one of the characters from the film and explain who the character is and how the character reveals larger ideas in the film.
- General Ripper’s mental state was the initial cause of the crisis. Other elements of human error were also introduced after that. What were they and what is the larger lesson we should learn from these?
- General Turgidson warns of a possible “mine shaft gap” whereby the Soviets put more people in their mineshafts than Americans, and thus have superior numbers when they emerge 100 years from now. What is the film’s point here?
- How does this film respond to the idea of American Exceptionalism?