Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Discuss the role of the University of Montana football team in Missoula and how Krakauer uses it to explore themes of power, privilege, and accountability. How does the team’s status within the community impact the handling of sexual assault allegations?

Explore the use of literary devices such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, and tone in Missoula. How do these techniques contribute to the development of the book’s central themes and the portrayal of key events?

Examine the portrayal of the criminal justice system in Missoula. How does Krakauer critique the handling of sexual assault cases by law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts? What broader societal issues does this critique highlight?

Discuss the theme of victim-blaming in Missoula and its impact on the survivors of sexual assault. How does Krakauer address the psychological and emotional effects of this phenomenon on individuals like Allison Huguet and Cecilia Washburn?

Analyze the cultural and historical context of Missoula. How does Krakauer situate the events in the book within broader national discussions about sexual violence, especially on college campuses? How does this context influence the reader’s interpretation of the events?

Explore the concept of consent as depicted in Missoula. How does Krakauer use the experiences of survivors to challenge common misconceptions about consent, and what legal and ethical questions does this raise?

Evaluate the role of the media in Missoula. How does Krakauer depict the media’s influence on public perception, and what are the implications for the survivors and the accused? Discuss the ethical considerations of media coverage in such cases.

Discuss Krakauer’s portrayal of the psychological trauma experienced by the survivors in Missoula. How does he convey the long-term effects of sexual assault on their lives, and what message does he send about the importance of mental health support?