Isaac's Storm

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1999

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Parts 5-6

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How much blame, if any, do you believe Isaac should bear for the death and devastation caused by the storm? Was he simply following orders, putting trust in the system and exhibiting the same overconfidence shared by others during this era? Or is his inaction unacceptable given his expertise in the field of atmospheric sciences?

Despite his advanced expertise in the field of atmospheric sciences and his awareness of hurricanes that recently struck the Texas coast, Isaac is quick to dismiss concerns about hurricanes reaching Galveston in his 1891 news article. What reasons, both personal and political, are behind this attitude?

What errors in judgment do the US Weather Bureau and Isaac specifically make in the days leading up to the storm? Do you believe that a significant number of lives might have been saved had these parties behaved differently? Why, or why not?