Kidder opens Mountains Beyond Mountains with an account of a discussion between Paul Farmer and a U.S. army captain who was commanding a small peacekeeping force in Haiti. Farmer and the captain initially discuss a recent murder case in the area, and then move on to discuss the role of the U.S. in Haiti. While the U.S. Army troops had been stationed in Haiti to reinstate the country’s democratically elected government and to curb political violence, some of the soldiers were cynical about the effects of their presence in the country. In his reflections on the work of the soldiers, Kidder acknowledges that he shared the soldiers’ pessimism, believing that they “had done their best” and that they “would not cry over things beyond their control” in Haiti (page 8).
1. Why do you think that Kidder opens his book with this scene? (Answer for this part should be minimum 3 sentences.)
2. According to Paul Farmer, two clear sides existed in Haiti. What/who were the two sides (be specific according to the book)? Which side was Paul Farmer on? Explain..
On his trips outside of Haiti, Paul Farmer carries two photos to show his colleagues–one of his own daughter Catherine, and one of a young patient at Cange (page 213).
1. Why is it important to Farmer to show both photos?
2. What motivates Paul Farmer to do the work he does? What does he see as his compensation? Cite specific examples from book.
3. Describe the conditions Paul Farmer “helped” or “work” in. Be specific and cite detailed examples from the assigned Kidder reading.
4. Why was the TB treatment NOT working and why did Dr. Farmer take it so personal. Be specific according to your assigned Kidder book reading.