The Book of Daniel
by E. L. Doctorow
About_
This study guide covers E. L. Doctorow’s The Book of Daniel, a powerful novel that weaves together the personal
and political traumas of the Cold War era through the eyes of Daniel Isaacson, whose parents were executed for
espionage. The guide explores the novel’s complex narrative structure, shifting between Daniel’s childhood in the
1950s and his adult life in 1967, examining themes of justice, memory, radicalism, and family legacy. This study
guide contains 182 questions across 14 chapter sections (140 Factual + 42 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues),
and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 14 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (140 total), 14 sets of 3 Critical
Analysis Questions (42 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence
prompt + critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 10-12
Teacher Note_
This study guide offers a comprehensive framework for guiding students through one of the most challenging and
rewarding novels of the twentieth century. The factual questions ensure close reading and comprehension, while
the critical analysis prompts encourage students to grapple with the novel’s complex themes of political
persecution, generational trauma, and the search for truth. The character focus and crossword activities provide
varied entry points for different learning styles. We hope this resource saves you valuable preparation time while
deepening your students’ engagement with this essential American text.