The First Ladies

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did the portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune as dual protagonists shape your overall experience with the book? Did one of their stories resonate with you more strongly, and if so, why?
• Reflecting on the friendship between Eleanor and Mary, what aspects of their relationship left the strongest impression on you? Were there any elements of their bond that surprised or challenged your expectations?
• The book weaves themes of civil rights activism, personal resilience, and social justice. How did these themes influence your engagement with the story and its characters?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

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

• Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune both dedicated their lives to fighting for social justice despite societal obstacles. Reflect on a time in your life when you had to stand up for your beliefs or support a cause. How did this experience shape your perspective on advocacy and change?
• The friendship between Eleanor and Mary transcends racial and cultural barriers, highlighting the power of unity. Can you relate to a friendship or relationship in your life that has bridged significant differences? How has this relationship impacted your views on collaboration and empathy?
• Mary’s journey in the book emphasizes resilience in the face of racial discrimination and limited resources. How does her story resonate with any personal experiences where you had to overcome obstacles or work with limited support? What lessons from Mary’s life inspire you?
• Eleanor faced constant scrutiny in her public role yet used her platform to advocate for change. Have you ever been in a position where you used your voice or influence to make a difference, even if it was challenging? How do Eleanor’s choices inspire you to navigate similar situations?
• The book explores the theme of balancing public duty with personal values. Reflect on a situation where you felt tension between external expectations and your own beliefs. How does this theme in The First Ladies echo or contrast with your experience?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

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

• The friendship between Eleanor and Mary challenges the racial and social boundaries of their time. How does the book use their relationship to comment on issues of racial inequality and social justice? In what ways do their actions reflect or challenge the societal norms of their era?
• Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and significant social changes, The First Ladies explores the impact of activism on public perception. How do Eleanor’s and Mary’s respective roles and public actions reflect the broader struggles for equality and justice in America? How relevant are these historical struggles to today’s ongoing movements for social change?
• The book illustrates the intersections of sex, race, and power through the experiences of both women. How does The First Ladies depict the challenges faced by women of different races in positions of influence? How do these portrayals encourage readers to consider the complexities of intersectionality in historical and modern contexts?

4. Literary Analysis

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

• The symbolism of the black rose recurs throughout the narrative, especially in Mary’s use of it for her graduating students. What does the black rose symbolize in terms of racial pride, resilience, and equality? How does the decision to plant black roses at the White House expand this symbol’s impact within the story?
• The contrasting settings of the White House and Bethune-Cookman College highlight the distinct worlds Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune navigate. How do these settings contribute to the novel’s tone and themes of social change and activism? In what ways do these environments reflect each woman’s influence and legacy?
• The lynching exhibit that Eleanor visits has a profound emotional effect on her and sparks further activism. How does this exhibit function symbolically within the story? How does it reveal the power of art to confront social issues, and how does it influence Eleanor’s commitment to civil rights?
• Education plays a transformative role in Mary’s life, shaping her activism and advocacy. How does her journey in establishing Bethune-Cookman College reflect her personal resilience and dedication to empowerment? What does the institution symbolize within the broader struggle for Black rights and progress?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine you are designing an exhibit in honor of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune’s contributions to social justice and equality. What artifacts, quotes, or scenes from their lives would you choose to include? How would you design the exhibit to reflect the power of their friendship and impact?
• If you could interview Eleanor and Mary as if they were podcast guests today, what topics would you cover, and what questions would you ask them? Consider asking about their views on modern-day social justice movements, women’s roles, or education. How do you think their answers would inspire or challenge listeners today?
• Envision a “Friendship Award” that Mary and Eleanor would create together, honoring individuals who break societal barriers to promote equality and understanding. What qualities would they look for in recipients? Who are some people you think they might nominate today, and why?

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