Library Essay Contest

Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself....you bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.

    —Angela Carter (1940–1992), British author

Carter, Angela. "The Company of Angela Carter: An Interview."
       Marxism Today. Web. 20 Jan. 1985 <http://www.amielandmelburn.org.uk/
       collections/mt/pdf/85_01_20.pdf>.

1. Paul Farmer is devoted to providing poor people with the same social and economic opportunities that are available to many of us who live in developed countries. Provide at least three detailed examples of how Paul Farmer made it possible for individuals to receive medical care and/or economic help. Explain how this help did or did not improve these individuals’ lives and whether you think the investment of money and labor to bring about the changes in these lives was worthwhile.

2. Outline the methods Paul Farmer uses to bring about change in the social and economic infrastructure of societies in which disease, poverty, and political problems produce inferior living conditions for many people. Do you believe that Paul Farmer’s methods for effecting change and providing aid are reproducible? In other words, can others employ the same model that Paul Farmer has used? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think the book is entitled “Mountains Beyond Mountains?” What ideas does the title convey? What image did the title bring to your mind before reading the book? What image do you see in your mind when you hear the title after reading the book? Explain each of your answers fully.

4. Paul Farmer is torn between loyalty to his family and dedication to his work. His wife and daughter live in Paris for nine months of the year. He only sees them in the summer in the United States. His visits Paris on only a few occasions, but he does telephone them on a daily basis. If you were Farmer’s spouse or child, how would you feel about this relationship and the nature of his work? How might your feelings change as you grow older? What coping mechanisms would you need to develop in long distance relationships like the ones between Paul, DiDi and Catherine? Finally, provide an example of how Paul Farmer tries to “prove” that he cares as much for children living in poverty as he does for his own child.

5. During Paul Farmer’s childhood, he lived both in a bus and on a boat. His father possessed a dominating personality. He had two brothers and three sisters and money was often a concern in their large family. Using the information you read about Farmer’s childhood and family relationships in the book, describe how you believe that his childhood experiences influenced his adult personality, choice of career, and ways in which he chose to direct his career. Provide examples to support your opinions.

6. Provide specific examples of why you think Paul Farmer is or isn't a Christian.  Read pages 78-81 of the book and explain how Haitian perspectives influence Farmer’s world view. What information does Chapter 23 include about Dr. Farmer’s mission in life and his social beliefs? Provide examples to back up your explanation. If you asked Farmer about the value of Voodoo, what would he say? Why?