46 pages • 1-hour read
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy
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Essay Topics
Why was Virginia so determined to join the war?
Given that she had such influence on the war efforts, why is Virginia’s story so little known? How does Purnell’s book seek to remedy this?
Why did Virginia risk her life for another country?
Virginia’s vigilance and paranoia were often responsible for her success. Why was Alesch able to gain her confidence?
Do you think that women today have as difficult of a time applying for espionage roles as Virginia did? Why or why not?
What qualities made Virginia such a formidable spy? Were these qualities intelligence agencies valued at the time?
Why was Virginia interested in working anonymously and eschewing fame?
What are the differences—and similarities—between the gender roles Purnell describes in the book and those in America today?
Why did Virginia say that she felt free while she was isolated, endangered, and alone on her missions?
Why did Virginia hide her relationship with Paul from her mother, and what does this say about her?
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