The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

Describe the symbolism of Fort Sumter and how it evolved as South Carolina moved toward secession. What made the fort such an important focal point in the secession crisis? What is its wider significance in the text?

Pick two characters on different sides of the secession debate. How did their misunderstandings about the other side contribute to civil conflict and lead to war?

Larson writes his historical accounts using novelistic techniques, with short chapters cutting back and forth between central figures. How does this style help The Demon of Unrest convey its themes, and what are the strengths and drawbacks to this method in a work of nonfiction?

Larson often makes oblong references to famous historical figures when they intercept, however slightly, his central narrative. Choose two or three of those references. How do they explore the theme of The Human Stories Behind Historic Events?

Compare and contrast how the Union and Confederate sides use flags as symbols. How do these views relate to the narrative’s themes surrounding honor and loyalty?

How do the descriptions of Mary Chesnut’s social meetings and romantic dalliances contribute to Larson’s characterization of the Southern elite? What does she reveal about Southern women’s perspective and experiences in the lead up to civil war?

From a geographical, historical, and/or cultural standpoint, how does The Demon of Unrest juxtapose the North and South, and how does that juxtaposition fuel the secession crisis?

What larger message is Larson trying to convey by connecting the electoral count controversies of 1861 and 2021? How does his description of the 1861 event contribute to that message? Do you find these parallels convincing? Why or why not?