Robert Cormier's hand revised draft of his letter to Maxine Shosto addresses her questions regarding After the First Death. In particular, he talks about the ambiguity in the book and says that it is because life is ambiguous. He had mislaid the…
Robert Cormier's response to Mike Romano dated Nov. 15, 1996 addresses Mike's questions and talks about the news story that drew his attention about the "regular" teens who trashed and "desecrated" a home in Massachusetts upon which he based part of…
In this one-page, typed letter dated April 26, 1996, Robert Cormier responds to Florida teacher, Concetta T. Lee. He explains that Hairston is a non-ethnic name that coveys ugliness yet is not a name anyone local might think is theirs. He describes…
Robert Cormier's letter to Norma (no last name), also a published writer, of 19 March 1982 is a very personal letter. He makes reference to a poet they both know and Cormier does this wonderful "tell her 'wow' for me" note in the letter in an…
Robert Cormier responds to Kevin's inquiries regarding the ideas for the novel, After the First Death. He cites three main sources of interest: 1) his home near Fort Devens and the possibility of a terrorist attack, 2) the Abraham-Isaac Bible story,…
In this drafted letter, Robert Cormier responds to Raymond Wynter's questions. He explains that the idea for the novel came from an act of vandalism reported on the news. Specifically, he wanted to understand why kids from 'average' families would…
In this drafted letter, Robert Cormier thanks Rebecca for her correspondence. He shares how glad he is that the novel has helped her to understand different viewpoints and perspectives. He explains how seeing something from another person's point of…
In this letter to Ms. Rosenzweig's class of eighth-grade students, Cormier addresses many points. First, he explains the title of the book. Then, he looks at various characters, including Mr. Levine and Mr. Hairston. He discusses the influence of…
In this letter to Sally-Anne, Robert Cormier discusses two of his novels. He talks first about the schizophrenic character in After the First Death and the guilt that arises from sacrifice. Additionally, he addresses patriotism, freedom, and…
In this letter to Mrs. Anti's class, Cormier answers many questions posed by the students. First, he outlines how he got the idea for the novel. As in other letters, Cormier cites his life as a news reporter and his proximity to Fort Devens - as…
In response to Troyia, Robert Cormier explains the title of his piece. As he has in other letters, he explains how language can fall short as a tool of communication. He explains his views that while there is evil in the world, there is also good. In…
This seven-page draft of a section of We All Fall Down includes many pencil edits. The draft opens with the scene at the mall and the remarks on the crowds. Lines about teenagers and older people are crossed out. The piece continues with the Avenger…
In this drafted letter, Robert Cormier responds to Agee's correspondence. He opens by sharing how impressed he is with the students' insights and interpretations. In a section that is largely penciled out and re-written, Cormier shares his…
In this piece, Robert Cormier reflects on the influences at work in After the First Death. He discusses the type of person who could commit a terrorist act, and yet who could still see himself or herself as a hero or a patriot. In such a case,…
In this short card, Robert Cormier alludes to an upcoming speech he will give wherein he will explore the origins of After the First Death. There is very little on the card itself - it merely suggests more to come.