Destiny of the Republic

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What effect did Millard’s choice to introduce Garfield, Bell, and Lister at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition have on your reading experience?

2. How does this book compare to other presidential biographies like Ron Chernow’s Washington: A Life or David McCullough’s John Adams in humanizing its subject?

3. Which aspect of the story captivated you most: the political elements, the medical tragedy, or Garfield’s personal character?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. How has education or intellectual curiosity shaped your own path in life, similar to or different from Garfield’s rise from poverty?

2. When have you witnessed conventional wisdom or “expert” advice prove harmful rather than helpful?

3. What personal qualities do you think serve people best when facing prolonged illness or suffering?

4. Has unexpected feedback or correspondence ever changed your perspective or behavior as Julia Sand’s letters did for Chester Arthur?

5. What places provide you with solace during difficult times?

6. What public tragedy have you experienced that created a sense of national unity similar to what followed Garfield’s assassination?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What does the portrayal of presidential security and accessibility in 1881 reveal about how American society has evolved?

2. What current political practices might future generations criticize as we now criticize the spoils system?

3. What factors lead societies to embrace or reject scientific innovations like Lister’s antiseptic methods?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What purpose does Millard’s juxtaposition of Garfield and Guiteau’s lives and characters serve in the narrative?

2. The book presents the theme that “good can come from bad” through political reforms following Garfield’s death. Where else in the narrative do you see this theme appearing?

3. To what extent does Millard successfully balance political, medical, and personal narratives throughout the book?

4. What aspects of the story are ironic, and how does irony convey meaning, particularly regarding Garfield’s medical care?

5. What evidence supports Millard’s characterization of Garfield as embodying American ideals and potential?

6. Think about the structure of the book with its four main sections: “Promise,” “War,” “Fear,” and “Tortured for the Republic.” What emotional journey does this structure create for readers?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Which actors would you cast for a film adaptation of Destiny of the Republic, and why?

2. What strategies would you employ to convince Garfield’s doctors to adopt modern medical practices if you could travel back to 1881?

3. What would you write in a letter to President Garfield, Bell, or Guiteau based on what you know of their character?

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