American History 1920s and the New Deal

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Questions and Answers

When was Mr.Blue published?

1928

What event caused the US to concentrate on domestic affairs and become preoccupied with private concerns?

The Great War (WWI)

Young people turned to new leaders and values and sought what?

Unorthodox dress, recreations, and morals

What was the business community praised for during the 1920s?

Values and productivity Signup and view all the answers

Which president worshipped business and what years was he in office?

Calvin Coolidge; 1923-1929 Signup and view all the answers

What event initiated the Great Depression?

Stock market crash of October 1929 Signup and view all the answers

President Roosevelt had a strong sense of ___; he distrusted unchecked _ and sympathized with ___.

Community; individualism; suffering people Signup and view all the answers

What was blamed for the collapse of the economy?

Excessive competition Signup and view all the answers

The First New Deal was successful because it focused on businesses.

False Signup and view all the answers

Briefly recount the story of how Mr.Blue became a millionaire and what he did with his money.

His cousin left him two million. Cousin made it in Australia through real estate and sheep holdings. Bought 3-4 houses, filled them with servants, bought two of everything for every room, built a factory to make toy balloons. Basically, he spent or gave away all of his money and then disappeared. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the scene at the end of Chapter 1. What does it reveal about Mr.Blue's character?

Blue is kneeling on the ground and praying before a cross. Signup and view all the answers

Who introduced the narrator to Mr.Blue?

Stevens, the superintendent of the building Mr.Blue is living on top of. Signup and view all the answers

What word is painted on Mr.Blue's flag?

Courage Signup and view all the answers

What kind of music does Mr.Blue like?

Band/martial music Signup and view all the answers

Who does Blue invite to his party on the roof?

Stevens and Abraham Morgenthau Signup and view all the answers

Explain the quote from Blue: 'God himself had hands like mine...'

We were made in the image of God. Signup and view all the answers

What did Blue think would cause a 'cult' to spring up in New York?

Reading the New Testament Signup and view all the answers

What kind of art does Blue dislike?

Art that is kept in galleries, museums, and halls of the rich. Signup and view all the answers

What promise does White make?

I shall bring God back to earth. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe what happens after White is seen.

A mob forms, attempts to drop bombs on the roof but they miss it. When White performs the consecration, Christ comes; it is the second coming/judgment day, the end of the world. Signup and view all the answers

How many letters did Blue write?

11 Signup and view all the answers

What is the one thing Blue can't stand?

Bigotry Signup and view all the answers

What does Blue compare truths to?

The Stars Signup and view all the answers

Blue's final letter is written to whom?

Mary (my good dear mother) Signup and view all the answers

What is the overarching theme throughout all of Blue's letters?

Humility Signup and view all the answers

What is Blue's hometown?

Boston Signup and view all the answers

According to Blue, when was the earth chosen as 'home of all the universe'?

Some centuries ago on Christmas Signup and view all the answers

What is Blue's vocation?

Pledged himself to poverty, to live among the poor, and bring to them the story of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Blue's 'Spies for God.'

People that would go into their workplaces and society and by example/living their life they would bring people to God. Signup and view all the answers

What is Blue's ultimate fate?

Blue dies Signup and view all the answers

Define martyr. Do you think Blue was a martyr? Explain.

Martyr: person who voluntarily suffers death as penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion. Yes- willingly chose to live a life of poverty. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Publication and Historical Context

Mr. Blue was published in 1928.
The Great War (WWI) shifted U.S. focus to domestic issues, preoccupying citizens with private concerns.

Young people embraced new leaders, unorthodox values, and lifestyles, including innovative dress and morals.
Capitalism and materialism thrived in the 1920s, with the business community praised for its values and productivity.

Political Leadership

President Calvin Coolidge, in office from 1923 to 1929, was known for worshipping business.
The stock market crash of October 1929 is recognized as the trigger for the Great Depression.

President Roosevelt’s Ideals

President Roosevelt emphasized community, distrusting unchecked individualism while sympathizing with those suffering.

The First New Deal

The First New Deal was criticized for blaming excessive competition and production for the economic collapse.
It was deemed unsuccessful because it primarily focused on businesses.

Mr. Blue’s Story and Character

Mr. Blue became a millionaire after receiving two million dollars from a successful cousin; he extensively spent and gave away his wealth.
At the end of Chapter 1, Mr. Blue is shown praying before a cross, indicating his strong religious faith.

Important Relationships

The narrator was introduced to Mr. Blue by Stevens, the building superintendent.
Mr. Blue asked to live on the roof of the building where Stevens worked.

Symbolism and Beliefs

The word "Courage" is painted on Mr. Blue's flag, symbolizing his commitment to living out his destined life.
He enjoys martial music, as it evokes feelings worth fighting for.

Community Engagement

Mr. Blue hosted a party on the roof, inviting Stevens and Abraham Morgenthau, featuring a concert by cornetist General Grant.

Religious Philosophy

Blue believes humanity was created in God's image, emphasizing the significance of individual existence.
He remarked that reading the New Testament could lead to a cult for Christ's imitation.

Art and Expression

Blue dismisses traditional art confined to galleries, admiring motion pictures for their potential to reveal God's beauty.
He promises to bring God back to earth by creating communion wafers from harvested wheat.

Climactic Events

After White is seen, a mob tries to attack the rooftop but fails, culminating in White's consecration representing the second coming.
Blue's correspondence highlights humility as the recurring theme in his letters.

Personal Connections and Ideals

Blue wrote eleven letters, expressing deep connections with derelicts as his best friends.
He struggles against bigotry, considering it a profound evil originating from the devil.

Reflections on Truth and Home

Blue compares truths to stars—steadfast, modest, humbling, and inspiring speculation about life.
His hometown of Boston is cherished for its personal significance.

Voiced Beliefs and Missions

Blue views Earth as important because Jesus Christ was born there on Christmas.
He commits to living in poverty among the poor, sharing the story of Christ, and creates "Spies for God" to spread faith through example.

narrator’s Aspirations vs. True Vocation

The narrator desires wealth and material comforts, contrary to Blue's divine calling which focuses on selflessness.

Mr. Blue's Hospitalization

Blue secured a job in a lumberyard and ended up in the hospital after saving a child named Joe from an oncoming car.

Death and Legacy

Blue does not fear death, seeing it as an opportunity for God's mercy, reinforcing his mission’s success through his visitors’ affirmations.
Blue's death aligns with the definition of a martyr—one who suffers for their faith, indicating he willingly lived a life of poverty and purpose.

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Description

Explore the pivotal decade of the 1920s in American history, including the impact of World War I, social changes, and the rise of capitalism. Understand President Coolidge's leadership style and the onset of the Great Depression that followed the stock market crash. Dive into Roosevelt's First New Deal and its criticisms, laying the groundwork for future economic policies.