Guns For General Washington

Analyze the reliability of J.P. Becker’s journal as a historical source. What challenges might arise from relying on a young person’s perspective to document the events of the Revolutionary War?

Boston’s geographic location and features play a crucial role in the novel. How do the city’s physical characteristics, such as its harbor and surrounding terrain, influence the strategic decisions made by both the British and the American forces?

Analyze the strategic decisions made by General George Washington and General Howe in the context of the Siege of Boston. How do their contrasting tactics and planning affect the course of the conflict?

Consider the implications of the author’s choice to keep older figures in the background. How does this decision shape the reader’s understanding of leadership and responsibility during the Revolutionary War?

How does the use of the term “noble” in the nickname “The Noble Train of Artillery” contrast with the harsh realities of the mission?

Analyze how fictional dialogue can shape the tone and mood of a scene. How does the dialogue enhance or alter the reader’s perception of the situation?

Examine the leadership styles of key figures in the book, such as Henry Knox and George Washington. How do their decisions impact the course of the war, and what does the book suggest about the qualities necessary for effective leadership in times of crisis?

Discuss how Will Knox’s restlessness and desire for action at the beginning of the novel contrast with his maturity by the end. What does this change reveal about his character and his understanding of the war?